Haartz Drops Tops at the Detroit Auto Show

From 3D-printed cars to ones that drive all by themselves, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, features loads of exciting new developments in the automotive industry. Chief among them is the introduction of four new soft-top convertibles trimmed in topping material supplied by Haartz Corporation.

Two of those models, the BMW M6 and Smart ForTwo, are industry staples. A third, the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, is a gorgeous sports car that debuted at last year’s show as a prototype but is due to hit U.S. dealer lots this summer.

However, the vehicle we’re most excited about is the all-new Cascada — Buick’s first convertible vehicle in 25 years!

The introduction and redesign of convertible models is major news for the automotive industry, especially in the U.S. where in recent years automakers have nearly ceased their production.

After Chrysler cancelled the Sebring in 2010 and 200 convertible in 2014, things looked even gloomier for auto upholstery shops, which often relied on repairs to those models’ tops to carry them through the summer months. But with the U.S. economy bouncing back, it seems car buyers now have a bit more discretionary income to spend on luxuries — like drop tops.

The fact that these models feature topping material from Haartz Corporation makes it all the better, as we know they’ll be of the highest quality.

“The unveiling of these four new models really proves that the convertible industry is making a comeback,” said Matt Williams, director of business development for the Haartz Corporation. “We at Haartz are particularly excited about the Buick Cascada, which we have supplied on a global platform as the Opel Cascada for a number of years. This vehicle will fulfill an entry-level niche that has been missing since the Chrysler 200 went off the market.”

Here’s a quick rundown of the Haartz topping featured on each of the new models:

The BMW M6 has two material options, depending on the trim level. The Twillfast RPC is an acoustically enhanced three-ply topping with acrylic twill weave facing, rubber inner-layer and polyester dobby backing. The Sonnenland A5B/HT is a design-enhanced three-ply topping with color contrasting acrylic and polyester facing, rubber inner layer and polyester dobby backing.

The Smart FourTwo with the Landmark II is comprised of an acrylic square weave facing, urethane elastomer inner-layer and polyester/cotton backing.

The Alfa Romeo 4C features Haartz’ Sonnenland A5.3M material, which has an acrylic twill weave facing, rubber inner-layer and polyester dobby backing.

The Buick Cascada features Haartz’ Sonnenland A5B/DS the same material used on the Opel version in Europe. This is a high-performance acoustically enhanced three-ply topping with acrylic twill weave facing, rubber inner-layer and polyester dobby backing.

As the economy continues to strengthen, we’ll no doubt see more and more convertible models hit the market. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a full-on resurgence. To learn more about the Buick Cascada, check out the following video by Kelley Blue Book: