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