Osnabrueck, Germany - German convertible specialist Karmann filed for insolvency on Wednesday as the effects of the global downturn continued to hit the nation's carmakers.

The company, which makes roof systems, body structures and convertible top systems, said it was forced to take the move because it might not be able to meet pending financial obligations.

The union IG Metall said 3,470 workers at Wilhelm Karmann GmbH were affected by the insolvency, which comes just over a month after the company ceased assembly of full vehicles at its Rheine plant.