The number of convertibles on German roads has been increasing for years,
albeit only slightly.But for the manufacturers they are interesting for another reason.
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| Mercedes E-Class Convertible: convertibles increase the image of an automobile car. (Photo: Daimler) |
Cabrios offer emotions that no closed vehicle can offer: drivers and
passengers feel the sun on the skin and the wind in the hair. Around
2.1 million convertibles are on German roads. Their number has been
increasing for years, albeit only slightly. According to the German
Federal Motor Vehicle Authority (KBA), in 2012 there were only 1.9 million
open vehicles.
"With a convertible you can transport a certain feeling of life like
openness and fun, which positively pays off a brand," says Prof. Stefan
Bratzel, Director of the Center of Automotive Management at the
Fachhochschule Wirtschaft (FHDW) in Bergisch Gladbach near Cologne.
Attractants for customers
In recent years Mercedes has been able to transform his image from a rather
conservative to a more dynamic manufacturer. "This has made brand and
vehicle owners rejuvenate," says Bratzel. Cabrio drivers are usually
connoisseurs and cautious drivers because they do not enclose a solid and
protective cover.
Compared to closed cars, the number of units is small. "Paolo
Tumminelli, design professor at the TH-Cologne, says:" With chic
convertibles you can lure customers to the car dealership, many car drivers
combine emotions and romance, even if most buyers later buy a different
model. Convertibles increase the image of an automark, but of course
they cost money in the development of money. "
No trend towards more models
Daimler has seven Mercedes-Benz convertibles with Mercedes, Smart and AMG
this year. As much as no other manufacturer. "Convertibles are
lighthouse projects of the brand, they bring a lot of driving and worry,"
says Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche. Emotionality is becoming increasingly
important and relevant to the brand, the drive seems to play less and less a
role for customers.
Bratzel does not see a trend towards much more convertible models in the
coming years. According to Zetsche, Mercedes will not bring more open
models to the market. This is partly due to social trends: "In
uncertain times, car owners prefer to go back to closed, conconical vehicles
that shield them from the outside world and offer more security than an open
convertible," says Bratzel.
It does not matter whether the folding roof is made of steel or
fabric. In addition, open cars of entertainment electronics as well as
the large digital screens are causing problems - when the sun is shining,
the monitors can not be seen or reflect the rays.
The most important new convertibles at a glance:
- Audi A5 Convertible: Audis mid-range coupé now also available without
roof. Since March, the revised A5 convertible offers four passengers
space and engines between 140 kW / 190 hp and 260 kW / 354 hp, including two
diesel engines. The thickly insulated convertible top opens in 15
seconds, the luggage compartment holds between 320 and 380
liters. Price: at least 44,000 euros. Particularly strong: the S5
convertible with a three-liter six-cylinder and 260 kW / 354 hp for 67,800
euros.
- BMW four-seater convertible: The BMW foursome gets a
facelift. Compared to its predecessor, the front apron, headlights and
rear bumper are changing. Bi-LED lamps now illuminate as standard,
while the navigation system Professional receives a revised user
interface. The chassis and steering should have become tighter in the
sporty designed 4er. Six engines between 135 kW / 184 hp and 240 kW /
326 hp are available, including three diesel engines. Price: from
46.800 euros.
- Mazda MX-5 RF: The MX-5 is the best-selling roadster ever. Since 1989 more
than a million fresh air fans have seized the light two-seater. The new
model MX-5 RF has an electrically retractable and fixed folding
roof. It opens and closes in 13 seconds. The revolving 2.0-liter
petrol engine with 118 kW / 160 hp has a light weight of 1120
kg. Price: from 29.890 Euro.
- Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster: The new super sports car Mercedes-AMG GT
Roadster with its four-liter V8 biturbo 350 kW / 476 hp, the GT C Roadster
even 410 kW / 557 hp. From 0 to 100 km / h it is thus in 3.7 seconds,
the top speed is 316 km / h. The lightweight soft top makes the
roadster visually resemble the coupé and the convertible top opens in eleven
seconds. Overbrakes and a reinforced windshield frame increase
stiffness in the two-seater. Price: from 129.180 Euro (GT C Roadster
from 160.650 Euro).
- Mercedes E-Class: Space for four adults and a very quiet interior will be
offered by the E-Class convertible from September. The convertible top
consists of four layers of fabric, opens and closes within 20
seconds. A special windscreen spoiler minimizes strong air in the
interior. The boot holds between 310 and 385 liters. The engines
deliver 135 kW / 184 hp to 245 kW / 333 hp. 4x4 is optional. The
price Mercedes has not yet announced. It should be around 54,000 euros.
- Porsche 911 GTS Convertible: The sports car icon Porsche 911 is available
this year as a particularly sporty model GTS. The 331 kW / 450 hp of
the convertibles are either directed to the rear wheels or to all four
wheels at Carrera 4 GTS Convertible. At least 137.541 euros costs the
over 300 km / h fast, open GTS-Porsche as a 2 + 2-seater. With a
classic Targa bracket the Elfer costs at least 144.919 Euro - including
all-wheel drive. (Dpa / swi)
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