The decline of convertibles continues even in the electric age
Image: MG
Cabriolets have lost a significant share in new car registrations in Germany, according to the Autouncle portal. In 2008, 4.2 percent of newly registered cars were cabriolets, but by 2025 that figure dropped to just 1.2 percent. In absolute terms, the number of new cabriolets fell from around 130,000 to about 33,000.
This decline is now evident in the used car market as well. According to analysis, 3 percent of used cars sold by German dealers were cabriolets in the first seven months of 2021, compared to 2.1 percent during the same period this year. The annual decline has intensified from 2 percent in 2022 to nearly 10 percent this year.
The number of model series with high sales volumes has also decreased. In spring 2021, 64 convertible model series each achieved at least 100 sales in dealerships, compared to 48 this year. Sales of the VW Beetle Cabriolet, Audi A3 Cabriolet, Audi TT Roadster, Smart ForTwo Cabrio, and Opel Cascada dropped significantly. All five models are no longer in production.
Several high-performance models, however, saw increased sales. Sales of the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet rose by 77 percent, those of the BMW M4 Cabriolet by 91 percent, and those of the Mini John Cooper Works Cabriolet by 114 percent. Meanwhile, the median price of a convertible sold in spring rose from 21,500 euros five years ago to 26,200 euros, while the proportion of vehicles priced under 15,000 euros dropped from 30 percent to 20 percent.
For electric convertibles, the options are limited. According to ADAC, in Germany the MG Cyberster (featured image) and the Maserati GranCabrio are currently available as electric vehicles with optional convertible tops from automakers. The Fiat 500e with a folding roof is considered by the auto club to be a half-hearted solution because the pillars remain in place. The announced Polestar 6 may not arrive until 2029, the Tesla Roadster has been delayed for longer, and Porsche’s electric successor to the 718 Boxster is also still pending.
E-mobility does not fill the gap
According to Autouncle, electric vehicles, battery-electric models, and hybrids combined accounted for 10 percent of used convertible sales in the first seven months of this year. In the overall used car market, they made up 18 percent. Nearly all sales of electric used convertibles were of the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive and Fiat 500e.
"The rapid growth of electric mobility has had a negative impact on convertibles," says Mads Noergaard, market analyst at AutoUncle. "Without a roof, the car loses torsional stiffness, while the battery adds significant weight and occupies space in the vehicle floor that developers would normally use for reinforcements. These issues can be addressed with stronger structures and lightweight materials, but this usually increases both the cost and overall weight of the vehicle."
One of the few newer models with high sales figures is the VW T-Roc Cabriolet. It was the second-most sold used convertible in Germany last spring and the second-most newly registered convertible in the first half of the year. Volkswagen has announced that production will end in 2027 with no direct successor planned.
"The convertible won't disappear from Germany," concludes Autouncle. "But it is evolving from a common body style offered in several price segments into a niche product. The premium models remain popular. The cheaper vehicles that once made the category accessible to a broader customer base are increasingly difficult to replace."
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About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric cars, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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