Convertible cars are selling poorly globally.

Globally, convertible sales fell to 465.000 units sold in 2013, accounting for just 0,7% of total global sales.

Globally, convertible sales fell to 465.000 units sold in 2013, accounting for just 0,7% of total global sales.

Sales of convertibles have dropped by about half over the past decade due to the rise of SUVs and panoramic sunroofs.

Car buyers often don't want to be affected by dust, fumes, and street noise, so soundproofing materials are used extensively.

The Porsche 911 Targa impresses with its retractable roof.

Globally, convertible sales fell to 465.000 in 2013, representing just 0,7% of total car sales. Furthermore, convertibles aren't always rolled down, making them even rarer to see on the streets.

The reasons why owners of convertibles rarely lower their roofs are fear of injury in the event of an accident or fear of reduced vehicle performance. Convertible models from brands like BMW, Jaguar, or Porsche therefore rarely get to fully showcase their distinctive design.

However, convertible sales were somewhat salvaged by technology and innovation. Some convertible models feature impressive and novel roof-opening mechanisms. The BMW 3 Series E93 (2007-2013) and 4 Series F33 (from 2013) deserve mention for their incredibly complex engineering that resembles the workings of a symphony orchestra. Other notable examples include the Porsche 911 Targa, Jaguar XK, and Lexus IS C.

In the 1990s, the Japanese produced an incredible number of convertibles, but that production quickly declined. Examples include the Honda S2000 and the Toyota Solaris.

Honda also invented a roof-opening and closing mechanism that resembles robotic arms. In addition, there's the Mercedes SL-class from Germany, and the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet from Japan.

However, the retractable roof can operate in the simplest way possible, like Renault's Wind model. Only two parts move, with only the most basic operations.

According to the VNE