- The market for convertible vehicles (soft-tops and roadsters) was flourishing in the United States throughout the 50s and 60s. New safety regulations put in place in the 70s (including car flipping ) created a sudden halt in the convertible market. Mercedes was one of the few manufacturers to maintain a loyal customer base for this type of cars (with the SL Series very popular overseas).

- In the 80s, new convertibles appeared (including new security features). The Chrysler Group was one of the first to reoccupy the market (Chrysler Le Baron). Gradually, other manufacturers followed and sales set off again upwards. In the early 2000s, the market for convertibles in the U.S. crossed over 200,000 units per year again, a level that had not been seen since the 70s.

- The crisis of 2008-2009 caused a further drop in car sales, including convertibles (less than 150 000 units sold in 2009 and 2010). Since then, sales have progressively restarted slowly, 140,000 in 2011, 150,000 in 2012 and possibly 160,000 in 2013 (40,000 units in the second quarter).

- In 2013, the best-selling models in the United States are the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.

Data source: File #55 - Registrations in the World by makes    

Data source: File #55 - Registrations in the World by makes    

- The previous Honda Jazz (segment B) dated back from 2008. The life cycle of Honda models is on average of five years, the Jazz has just been renewed. The new model gives an impression of sturdiness partly due to a smaller glass area, in accordance with current trends.

- Like the previous generation, the new Honda Jazz will be produced in Japan, China, India, Britain, Brazil and some countries in South East Asia. In many markets, the is called Fit.

- Let us recall that the Honda Jazz is the fourth model of the brand the most produced in the world, behind the CRV, Civic and Accord.

- Honda presents the Jazz as a model of conquest, since it wants to sell (all models and ranges combined) 6 million vehicles per year worldwide by 2018, an increase of 50% compared to 2012 .

- Honda is counting on its new hybrid models, such as the Jazz, which is available with this kind of engine. Honda crossed in mid-October 2012, the threshold of one million cumulative hybrid vehicles sold worldwide .

- Its first hybrid model, the Insight, was introduced in November 1999. Honda sells its hybrid vehicles in fifty countries and mainly manufactures them in Japan, but also in the United States and Thailand.

Data source: File #10 - Start of Production (SOP) of new and modified vehicles in Europe   

- After renewing the Mazda 6 last year (European segment D), the Japanese automaker renews this year. the Mazda 3 (European segment C) Sales of the best-selling model of the brand were indeed on the decline for two years (this model dating back to 2008 and its 2011 restyling had no effect on sales).

- This time based on the platform of the Mazda 6, the new Mazda 3 will be produced in the same factory as the Mazda 6, located in Hofu, Japan.

- The classic range and best-selling Mazda (sedans, estates, minivans) has been composed since the early 2000s of the Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda 5 and Mazda 6. The other range of Mazda (SUV, coupe / convertible, pick-up consists of the CX5, MX5 and BT-50. The rotary engine RX8 has disappeared.

- We now have to wait for the launch of the new Mazda 2 (of the launch date was announced in 2007) and Mazda 5 ( launch date announced in 2010) for the classic range of Mazda to be fully renewed.

Data source: File #10 - Start of Production (SOP) of new and modified vehicles in Europe