'Put The Top Down' Say American Drivers

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 13 -- Sales of new convertibles in the United States have risen 63 percent since 1996, underscoring America's rekindled passion for the open-air driving experience.

in 1996, convertibles accounted for only 1.3 percent of all registered vehicles according to R. L. Polk & Co. That number now stands at 1.9 percent, a difference of more than 103,000 registrations. According to Polk's industry leading national vehicle registration database, the Ford Mustang is the most popular convertible, with 14 percent of all convertible registrations. The Chrysler Sebring is second with 12 percent. This is a switch from 1997, when the Sebring led the pack with 21 percent of all registrations and the Mustang was second with 11 percent.

"American consumers' interest in convertibles is back," said Eric Papacek, analytic consultant at Polk. "Automakers have responded with a greater variety of convertible models than we've seen in the last 30 years. These include innovative and stylish products like the Mustang, Sebring, Mazda Miata and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Manufacturers are always looking for ways to inject passion and sophistication into vehicle design. Convertibles, by their very nature, incorporate these elements to enhance the driving experience."

Most popular convertibles - 2001 Model 2001 Retail Registrations % of all Convertibles Ford Mustang 36,335 14% Chrysler Sebring 32,767 12% Mazda Miata 16,284 6% Mitsubishi Eclipse 13,470 5% Volkswagen Cabrio 13,224 5% BMW Z3 12,836 5% Chevrolet Corvette 12,648 5% Lexus S430 12,260 5% Porsche Boxster 11,374 4% Mercedes SLK 10,741 4%