Don't laugh at this question

chromebumpers

solid fixture here in the forum
Staff member
What makes or breaks the idea if a car manufacture can make a convertible top on a particular car model?
For instance, why couldn't GM make a 2nd gen Camaro convertible? Nova? Vega? Monty Carlo?
AMC made convertibles with several of their models - not so popular, so did MOPAR. Ford, no so much.
Is it something about the car's structure? It doesn't make sense to attribute it to popularity, most of these GM models made millions of units.

Rich
 
every decision if brought back too basics revolves around profit potential and longer term
vs short run production expense.
convertible cars generally have a separate frame,
strengthening the structure , and are not uni-body designs,
where the roof and pillar structure add considerable rigidity.
obviously other changes are required, every change potentially adds extra cost.
if the market share would financially warrant the changes,
an added stiffening sub-frame could be added to most car designs
in many cases customer demand was not there in significant volume to warrant the financial outlay.
OR
the manufacturer figured that they were selling enough of the standard coupes or sedans
that the potential financial loss in sales volume might be inconsequential to the total bottom line profits.
or put a different way, if your selling enough of the basic design too keep the production lines fully employed,
adding extra sub lines makes little financial sense if the extra sales potential,
is hardly worth the extra expense required.
If the manufacturers see a high, volume and prolonged profit potential , they jump on the chance too cash in on demand,
generally anything under 15,000-20,000 units a year in a market potential,
is not going to grab there financial attention.
yes they commonly run small initial production runs too get a good grasp on customer demand,
of if the first few examples don,t create a very large positive reaction and demand the options dropped

heres a good example of how demand influenced production and corporate goals
http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2014/05/birth-of-the-muscle-car-the-pontiac-gto-at-50/

http://cdn.gatehousemedia.com/custo...s-staff/Niche_pages/Half_062011_auto_ghns.pdf

https://journal.classiccars.com/2014/03/20/pontiac-gto-celebrates-50-years-since-undercover-birth/
 
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