Cabriolet Sales in Germany Hit Record Lows as Market Shrinks Further
Once symbols of luxury and freedom, cabriolets now account for just 1.5% of the German new car market, with sales dropping 70% since 2008.
- Only 40,984 cabriolets were sold in Germany in 2024, marking a 20% decline from the previous year and continuing a long-term downward trend.
- German manufacturers dominate the shrinking market, with Volkswagen's T-Roc leading 2024 sales at 7,718 units.
- Cabriolets are increasingly seen as niche luxury items, with demand concentrated in affluent areas like Sylt and Starnberger See.
- The rise of SUVs and electric vehicles, offering greater utility and sustainability, has significantly impacted cabriolet demand.
- Technological advancements have made cabriolets more weather-resistant and suitable for year-round use, but their high cost and limited practicality restrict their appeal.