New Solstice Outselling New MX-5 at nearly Two to One
Mazda has made the world's number one selling roadster for sixteen years, the MX-5 Miata, and with over 700,000 produced it's unlikely
that even Pontiac's hot new Solstice will knock it off the all-time best seller podium anytime soon.
But while the new MX-5 is selling quite well, GM's newcomer is outpacing the iconic Japanese roadster and, if sales persist, should be the clear winner after 2006 is wrapped up. Using January as an example, which was the first full month of Solstice availability in the U.S., Pontiac's sexy little drop-top nearly doubled sales of Mazda's two-seater; 1,990 units compared to 1,067. The previous month, December, the Solstice performed even better, achieving 2,746 sales to the MX-5's 1,007.
And it's not like the Solstice is stealing sales away from the MX-5. Actually, MX-5
sales are up, 106.8 percent above January sales a year prior. This makes sense, of course, being that the MX-5 is an all-new model, and last year's car, while still a competitive entry in the segment, was long overdue for a replacement.
It should be noted, however, that the new MX-5 is not only up in sales, but also that its new customers are quite willing to pay more than sticker. This is also the same for Solstice, but customers are even willing to pay more for the domestic roadster, with reports of eBay sales of more than $10,000 over list taking place.
While it's too early to tell if Pontiac's early lead will finalize in number one roadster status for the new Solstice, it has a worthy foe to overcome as well as many years before it will qualify for best-selling roadster ever.
Mazda has made the world's number one selling roadster for sixteen years, the MX-5 Miata, and with over 700,000 produced it's unlikely
 |
| Mazda has made the world's number one selling roadster for sixteen years, the MX-5 Miata, with over 700,000 produced. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
But while the new MX-5 is selling quite well, GM's newcomer is outpacing the iconic Japanese roadster and, if sales persist, should be the clear winner after 2006 is wrapped up. Using January as an example, which was the first full month of Solstice availability in the U.S., Pontiac's sexy little drop-top nearly doubled sales of Mazda's two-seater; 1,990 units compared to 1,067. The previous month, December, the Solstice performed even better, achieving 2,746 sales to the MX-5's 1,007.
And it's not like the Solstice is stealing sales away from the MX-5. Actually, MX-5
 |
| Pontiac's sexy little drop-top nearly doubled sales of Mazda's two-seater. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
It should be noted, however, that the new MX-5 is not only up in sales, but also that its new customers are quite willing to pay more than sticker. This is also the same for Solstice, but customers are even willing to pay more for the domestic roadster, with reports of eBay sales of more than $10,000 over list taking place.
While it's too early to tell if Pontiac's early lead will finalize in number one roadster status for the new Solstice, it has a worthy foe to overcome as well as many years before it will qualify for best-selling roadster ever.
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