some more on JPEI from their web site:
ascglobal.com
ASC Incorporated
For Immediate Release
CONVERTIBLE SALES CONTINUE TO INCREASE
IN 1999, ACCORDING TO ASC INCORPORATED
L.A. & New York Are Top
Cities For Convertibles
SOUTHGATE, Mich., Feb. 9, 2000 ? Convertible sales in the United
States have remained over the 200,000 vehicle mark for the fourth straight
year, according to Mark Pauz‚, marketing manager with ASC
Incorporated, a leading supplier of convertible and open air systems.
According to ASC?s U.S. convertible sales database, sales of convertibles
in the U.S. in 1999 totaled 261,336, among foreign and domestic models.
The 1999 figure is up seven percent from 1998 sales of 244,435,
continuing the steady growth in convertible sales that began in the early
1990s.
"Both convertibles and the overall passenger vehicle market enjoyed
similar sales increases in 1999," said Pauz‚. "Convertible sales remained
at three percent of the overall market, the same percentage of the market
as in 1998. Our data demonstrate that the convertible has truly become a
staple of the automotive industry. Along with sunroofs and other
innovations in open air design and engineering, we?re now able to offer
consumers a wide range of open air driving options."
The Chrysler Sebring led in overall convertible sales for the fourth straight
year, with more than 51,000 units sold. The Ford Mustang followed closely
behind, with 44,000 units sold in 1999. Other top-selling convertibles
include the Mazda Miata, BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, Volkswagen
Cabriolet, Mercedes SLK, Chevrolet Corvette, Mitsubishi Eclipse and
Chevrolet Cavalier.
ASC supplies convertible systems on the BMW Z3, Mitsubishi Eclipse
and Chevrolet Cavalier, as well as the convertible boot for the Chrysler
Sebring. Market-wise, ASC also supplies convertible systems for the
Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird and Sunfire, and the new Toyota
Camry Solara to be introduced this spring.
Los Angeles and New York City were the leading cities in U.S. convertible
sales during 1999, according to the ASC database. Sales in the nation?s
top five markets ? Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, San Francisco and
Orlando, Fla. ? represented nearly 64 percent of overall sales for the year.
The next five largest markets for convertible sales (in order of sales)
include Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta.
"The varied location of these top markets indicates that convertibles are
popular throughout the country, not just in warm-weather cities," said
Pauz‚.
ASC is a global specialty vehicle and systems company with five
operating activities: Engineered Systems manufactures and distributes
open-air systems (sunroofs and convertible tops) for OEM and aftermarket
applications; Creative Services provides automotive design, engineering
and prototype services; Specialty Vehicles supplies the automotive
industry manufacturing expertise, development and production of specialty
vehicles; Composite Systems supplies removable hardtops and other
molded products for OEM and aftermarket applications; and Aftermarket
Products develops and distributes vehicle accessories for the aftermarket.
Headquartered in Southgate, ASC maintains operations throughout the
U.S. and Canada, and in Germany and Korea. ASC and its family of
companies employ more than 4,500 people in over 30 facilities, and have
annual sales of over $900 million. For more information about ASC
Incorporated, visit www.ascglobal.com. |
