Is the convertible heading into the sunset?

Article excerpt

Convertible car sales in the UK have plummeted as SUVs dominate the market, raising questions about whether the open-top vehicle faces obsolescence. Once a symbol of freedom and luxury, convertibles now represent a tiny slice of new car registrations, squeezed out by practical family vehicles and changing consumer preferences. Industry analysts debate whether convertibles are simply out of fashion or if technological shifts, electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and changing attitudes toward outdoor motoring, might permanently reshape the market. Some manufacturers and dealers argue a niche market will always exist for enthusiasts willing to sacrifice practicality for the convertible experience, while others suggest the segment may never recover its former appeal.