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European dealers are puzzled about Mazda's decision to offer a retractable hardtop version of the MX-5.

"The MX-5 is so different from other coupe convertibles that customers are satisfied with the softtop," said Robert Jan Ego, a salesman at Autobedrijf Leerentveld in Zwolle, Netherlands.

Said a salesman at Autohaus Norbert Kalina in Gladbach, Germany: "We know that later this year an MX-5 retractable hardtop will come. But we don't expect more sales."

The German salesman, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "Customers have not demanded a retractable hardtop for the MX-5."

Rest of article can be found here:
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060615/FREE/60614011/1024/LatestNews

I'm wondering if Mazda's prepping up the MX-5 to compete in the hardtop segment in the U.S.  

I don't understand the sudden craze with retractable hard tops, VW Volvo etc.

The miata is absolutely the last car that needs one. It's heavier and takes up more space, and adds weight in the worst place, up high. Of coarse we have all discussed Mazda's crack marketing team in other posts, so I guess this is just another notch on the bad idea board.