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Convertible Sales Continue to Increase in 1999

9 February 2000

Convertible Sales Continue to Increase in 1999, According to ASC Incorporated

               L.A. & New York Are Top Cities For Convertibles

    SOUTHGATE, Mich., Feb. 9 -- Convertible sales in the United
States have remained over the 200,000 vehicle mark for the fourth straight
year, according to Mark Pauze, 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 Pauze.  "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 Pauze.
    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
http://www.ascglobal.com .