Automotive Industry

Z4's slump hurts outlook for roadsters; New Mercedes SLK, Smart Roadster are segment leaders in EU.(News)(BMW Z4 car sales)

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Byline: Diana T. Kurylko, Jens Meiners

Lower-than-expected sales of the BMW Z4 in Europe and North America are hurting the roadster segment on both sides of the Atlantic.

Roadster sales in North America were down 21.1 percent to 24,242 units in the first half compared with the same period a year ago.

In June, the peak of the convertible-buying season, sales were down 20.1 percent from the June 2003 figure.

Roadsters are doing better in Europe. The segment grew 8.9 percent to 97,977 units in the first half compared with the same period last year.

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