According to Ford Motor Co, sales of vehicles with 'vista' or 'panoramic' roofs are soaring, with about half the buyers of its Explorer and Edge sport-utility vehicles and about a third of its Flex upright-stationwagon buyers purchasing the option. Sales of convertible cars have typically accounted for 1.8% to 2% of the auto market, but are now down to 1.2% to 1.4%. The Chevrolet Camaro is, according to surveys, the top-selling convertible, accounting for 7,530 car registrations, with the Ford Mustang second, with convertible sales of 6,645, followed by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class convertible with sales of 3,446, and the BMW 328 convertible, with 2,867 cars sold. Sales of 2011 Ford Explorers equipped with the vista roof reached almost 25,000 during that time period. According to Mark Pauze, a consultant with automotive data and marketing solutions company Polk Co., the convertible numbers could improve if the economy picks up. Currently there is a real focus in the market on fuel-efficient, economical and practical vehicles - not a recipe for a convertible revival, Pauze said. 'We are seeing more buildings utilizing glass structures because letting natural light in is a popular architectural trend,' said Sheryl Connelly, Ford's executive director of global trends at Ford. 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.
