Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Wave of 14 new convertibles amid rise in SUVs

Evoque LA Harris
Actress Naomie Harris from latest Bond film SPECTRE shows off the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible ahead of its global launch at L.A. Auto Show

Share

17 November 2015

With a hot auto market and high consumer confidence, consumers may be ready to explore more optimistic and less practical purchases

BOND girl Naomie Harris was called up to to raise the profile of the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible on the iconic coastline of Santa Monica ahead of its global launch at the Los Angeles Auto Show where convertibles will be back in vogue alongside the SUVs and this Evoque bridges the gap.

Land Rover unveiled its first luxury compact convertible SUV with SPECTRE actress Naomie one of the first to view the newest member of the Range Rover family.

Along with the Fiat 124 Spider and Land Rover Evoque convertible, Mercedes-Benz is showing an update for its SL convertible and IHS Automotive reckons there will be 14 new convertibles going on sale in 2016, compared with only five in 2015. With a hot auto market and high consumer confidence, consumers may be ready to explore more optimistic and less practical purchases.

IHS Automotive points out the Los Angeles Auto Show is one of four significant car shows in North America. Convertibles are expected from Fiat, Mercedes-Benz and Land Rover, with the ongoing trend toward SUVs also well represented by Cadillac, Mazda and Scion.

Los Angeles is often considered one of the trend-setting regions of the world, tied to a modern luxury image, leading to a strong showing from the luxury sector. The show continues to be paired with a Connected Car Expo, which is expected to also provide backdrop for automotive news related to connectivity and infotainment.

The luxury brands continue to introduce new SUVs at a faster pace than mainstream brands, as many luxury brands are expanding ranges, looking to increase volume through offering more nameplates

Global introductions are due from Buick, Mazda, Honda, Fiat, Scion, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Lincoln, Subaru, Volvo and Honda. North American introductions are planned from Alfa Romeo, Cadillac, Jaguar, and BMW. Alternative powertrain vehicles will be introduced, but largely hybrid and EV powertrains have evolved into the landscape thoroughly enough that they do not dominate auto show introductions today.

Carmakers are also looking to continue to sate the appetite of consumers for SUVs. In LA this year, new SUVs will include global reveals for the Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, an updated Ford Escape, and the Evoque convertible, as well as a B-segment SUV concept from Scion.

Cadillac introduced its XT5 at the Dubai motor show, but will host its US introduction in LA. Jaguar’s stand will include the US introduction of the F-Pace SUV, first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Infiniti will also have an SUV to display, as the QX30 takes a North American introduction. The luxury brands continue to introduce new SUVs at a faster pace than mainstream brands, as many luxury brands are expanding ranges, looking to increase volume through offering more nameplates.

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Latest news

Top