Haartz Tops the Redesigned Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Haartz Tops Redesigned Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Volkswagen chooses soft-top over folding hard-top, complementing the new Beetle's sportier feel

Acton, Mass. (Nov. 28, 2012) - The Haartz Corporation<http://www.haartz.com/>, a leading global manufacturer of soft top convertible material, announced today it is supplying the convertible topping for the redesigned 2014 Beetle Convertible, which was unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Volkswagen (VW) chose a soft-top rather than a folding hard top, creating a sportier, more dynamic silhouette. The new Beetle convertible topping material is made from Haartz's Twillfast(r) RPC, which is an acoustically enhanced three-ply composite made of acrylic twill weave outer fabric, a rubber inner layer and polyester lining fabric. The top will be available in black and beige.

"Haartz worked with very closely Volkswagen to provide a superior topping material that would offer enhanced acoustics and lay flat when folded down to allow a clear rear view for the driver," said Doug Haartz, international sales manager for Haartz. "Additionally, we collaborated with VW on the new beige color option. We are proud to bring both of these specifications to reality for the new Beetle."

Haartz convertible toppings are engineered to dispel the misconceptions of soft top convertibles. Combining the latest in textile and plastics technology, Haartz materials offer benefits on par with both coupes and retractable hard tops including all-season driving and superior acoustical and noise-vibration-harshness (NVH) performance, as well as optimized trunk space when the top is down.

A full-range of customizable laminates allows Haartz to meet the strictest OEM specifications and design targets with lower-cost engineering and manufacturing compared to retractable hardtop designs. Haartz laminates give the automaker the ability to maintain the distinctive appearance of open-air vehicles, top up or down.