Convertibles were once the go-to car for anybody looking for a car with some style. Not only did they have an edgy attitude, but drivers could still stay cool even if the car was undergoing auto air conditioning repair. But over the last several years that has certainly not been the case. During the previous decade, sales of convertibles dropped by about 50 percent, and they were hit especially hard by the recession. However, as consumers continue to feel more confident, convertibles are ready to make a rebound, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Analysts at IHS Automotive feel particularly good about the future for convertibles. They anticipate that sales could reach 2 percent of all car purchases in the next year. This year, that figure stood at about 1.2 percent. There are a number of reasons for the increase, but experts say consumers are more likely to spend on high-end products than they were several years ago. Additionally, they may be itching to replace their old models that tend to require more vehicle maintenance.
"With the exception of the brands that became extinct, we expect most of the convertibles that fell away will be replaced, and some new models like the Alfa Romeo Spider are coming," IHS Automotive senior analyst Stephanie Brinley told the news source.
It's not just convertibles that are expected to see a good few years. Analysts are also confident that luxury car sales could spike during 2013, according to Cars.com. For instance, sales of the Mercedes Benz C-class jumped by about 12.3 percent during the first quarter of 2013 - higher than the 6.4 percent increase among all automakers.