| Automakers are now attesting the edge of | | | | Associates' Power Information Network (PIN), |
| retractable hardtops over the conventional | | | | G6 RHT takes an average 29 days to sell. PIN |
| ragtops. Parenthetically, they are shifting | | | | also observed that midsize cars in general, |
| to the modern technology to deliver fun | | | | stay on dealer lots an average 53 days and |
| open-air drive as well as secured weather | | | | sell for about $8,000 less than the G6 RHT. |
| resistance driving. | | | | These findings are significant to automakers. |
| | | | The crucial move can give them rewarding |
| Mazda Miata is one of the leaders of hardtop | | | | profits so they opt to live in the hype of |
| technology. The car is made simple yet | | | | hardtops. |
| striking, affordable and perky. However, its | | | | |
| greatest edge is its soft top that can be | | | | Volvo, on one hand, has set forth its C70, a |
| maneuvered with just a push on the button. In | | | | 4-seater RHT that went on sale since midyear. |
| fact, said model can be operated by just | | | | The model is a compact car that shares Ford's |
| using only one hand. Jay Amestoy, Mazda's | | | | C1 platform which was used with Volvo S40 |
| spokesperson said that power retractable | | | | parts. According to PIN, C70 sits on dealer |
| hardtop technology of Miata is a significant | | | | lots 14 days. On the contrary, the |
| factor of its hefty 30% sales in the United | | | | Mercedes-Benz CLK ragtop sits 51 days. |
| States. | | | | |
| | | | The coupe convertible hardtop from Volvo was |
| The move of automakers is so swift and | | | | designed by John Kinsey and built by |
| apparent. "Yes, it costs a lot to engineer | | | | Pininfarina. It uses quality Volvo C70 parts |
| and install, but we found some of our target | | | | that include strong three piece retractable |
| buyers -- women, especially -- see it as a | | | | metal that can be raised or lowered in a |
| big advantage in safety and security," says | | | | short span of 30 seconds. C70 replaced the |
| Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson. As to Pontiac, | | | | cabriolet/convertible and the coupe segment, |
| its G6 RHT went on sale last April. It was | | | | which are absent in Volvo's lineup since |
| priced at about $29,000, $5,000 more than the | | | | 2003. |
| coupe version. According to .D. Power and | | | | |