Ask The Best And Brightest: Planned Obsolescence?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Planned obsolescence, or the constant replacement of existing models has been a mainstay of the US auto biz since GM started eating Henry Ford’s austere, one-size-fits-all lunch nearly 100 years ago. As automotive technology rapidly matured, new model year refreshes offered new gizmos, tweaked styling, along with more performance, space and status. Before long, the eternal quest for newer, hotter newness led to a near constant turnover in model names, styling and branding. Every three to five years now, we expect new headlights and maybe a fender vent at the minimum, signifying that the driver is far more in touch with the times than someone stuck in the instantly-dated predecessor version.

More typically we expect new engines, interiors, more room, extra cupholders and more. And the model of regular refreshes has been good for the industry. Until now. With global overproduction, soaring inventories, a credit crunch and downscaled expectations, is the constant reworking of a proven vehicle worth the investment? Mercedes’ G-Wagen has received only one major update (1990) since it debuted in 1979, and it’s pegged to stay in production until “at least” 2015. Sure it’s a niche vehicle, but hasn’t automotive technology become mature enough for the industry to start considering building vehicles with similarly long lifespans?

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Bunkie Bunkie on Mar 03, 2009

    "BTW, if you want to see planned obsolescence in action, look at how Apple manages the iPod and iPhone brands." I beg to differ. Changes in iPods have been driven more by the technology curve than by planned obsolescence. As the owner of an iPhone, I have been very pleased with the software updates and have had it longer than any prior cell phone with no plans to replace it.

  • Axel Axel on Mar 03, 2009

    Speaking strictly of styling... One of the biggest victims of the constant need to "update" models was the fifth generation (1996-2001) Camry. Talk about a classy, refined exterior that was warped into a circus freak. Ditto with the sixth generation Accord (1998-2002), though the current Accord doesn't burn my eyes like the Camry does.

  • SirRoxo SirRoxo on Mar 04, 2009

    Despite how P.O. can sometimes use a lotta cash consider it an investment. I mean look at Honda's Civic. Everytime they release a new one it's better and always one step ahead. The Cavaliers(j bodies), hah! There's your stagnant longlife platforms. But, i can agree in a way that cars from today will be driving around a lot longer than yesterdays because of the forced refinements that companies been making.

  • Kurt. Kurt. on Mar 04, 2009

    This may be redundant but The family of the VW bug is still alive and well. I am speaking of the 911 and all it's derivitives. Posrche took their replacement for the 356 and continued to refine and develope it. Even with all the flack about the rear engine, it will go down as one of the most successful cars in history. One might say that for other cars too such as the Corvette but there is very little to share between a C1 and a C6. Not even the logo is the same.

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