Karmann fails to win Golf convertible deal

Volkswagen has decided to design its new Golf convertible in one of its own factories rather using perennial body-maker Karmann. The car will debut in 2010 and will be based on VW's sixth-generation Golf due to arrive later this year. Reports suggest that new convertible will be built in either VW's Wolfsburg or Mosel plant. Karmann previously built the old Golf convertible, but production was canceled in 2002 due to declining sales.

Karmann ended production of the Chrysler Crossfire last December, and unfortunately will also stop production of the Audi A4 convertible this autumn, to be followed by the Mercedes-Benz CLK class in 2009.