Panorama Roofs Becoming More Popular Than Convertibles

As the sales figures point out auto buyers are giving up the open air for glass roofs. Ford Motor Co. reveals that the sales of vehicles with vista or panoramic roofs are rising. The fact is being also backed up by half of the buyers of its Explorer and Edge SUVs who are purchasing the option which is basically a sweeping sunroof. Another option would be two skylight panels.

And about a third of its Flex station wagon customers are choosing the same, despite the fact that the actual upgrade costs about $1,600 extra. Furthermore, reports from R.L. Polk & Co., which were cited by Los Angeles Times, reveal that sales of convertible cars are lagging the rest of the market. Normally sales of convertible cars have accounted for 1.8 percent to 2.0 percent of the auto market. But nowadays they are running at 1.2% to 1.4%.

According to the reports, Chevrolet Camaro has been the best selling convertible this year, with 7,530 units sold. Ford Mustang follows close with its convertible sales of 6,645. Far behind is the Mercedes E-Klasse convertible, which reached sales of 3,446 and the BMW 328-Series, which came in 4th place with 2,867 units. As a parallel, the 2011 Explorer has already sold almost 25,000 units equipped with glass roof.

“We are seeing more buildings utilizing glass structures because letting natural light in is a popular architectural trend. This trend has crossed over to the automotive industry, and Ford’s Vista Roofs open the car to more sunlight which keeps drivers energized and gives the luxurious feel customers desire,” Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s manager of global trends and futuring, was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source.