CONVERTIBLE SEBRINGS PUT SMILE ON LASORDA'S FACE

Chris Vander Doelen, Windsor StarPublished: Tuesday, July 04, 2006

CONVERTIBLE SEBRINGS PUT SMILE ON LASORDA'S FACE
Several automotive trade magazines report there will be two convertible versions of the new Chrysler Sebring unveiled in Chelsea, Mich., last week by Tom LaSorda, president and CEO of the Chrysler Group.

"We're looking at the convertible," LaSorda said with a smile, prevented from spilling the beans until the marketing department tells him he can.

According to the trade mags, which were quoting anonymous parts suppliers, there's going to be a traditional soft-top convertible Sebring and a more expensive folding hardtop version similar to those being popularized by Volvo and the German carmakers.

But there will be no coupe version of the new Chrysler Sebring, LaSorda said.

Why not? "Coupe sales are down dramatically in all segments," he said flatly when asked.

There will be a Dodge version of the Sebring, however.