About 25 years ago I read a biography of GM engineer Charles "Boss"
Kettering for a history of engineering college class. My recollection
from that (essentially confirmed by a bit of Google-fu) is that GM
specifically chose to design cars to only last about 5-7 years (planned
obsolescence, or "keep the customer dissatisfied" as the book put it) to
insure a consistent built-in demand for newer models.
That was in the 1920's and 1930's. I'm guessing from your comments not
much has changed in 80 years.
For the record, I've owned 3 used Toyotas (2 of which lasted 10 years
before wearing out; I totaled the 3rd), one used Mercury Tracer (lasted
~6 years of heavy driving), and currently drive a 7-year old Nissan
Altima (bought new).
Gary
GARY J. EHRLICH, P.E.
National Association of Home Builders
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gehrlich@nahb.org
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-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Polhemus [mailto:bill@polhemus.cc]
Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 10:21 AM
To: <seaint@seaint.org>
Subject: Re: OT: Okay, Serious Question
Nah, I just watched a little bit of a "Motor Trend" type TV show, where
they were listing the various automakers' status. Ever since I was a
young adult it's been the same thing b
Look at Consumer Reports' reviews. Meh.
William L. Polhemus, Jr. P.E.
Sent from my iPad 2
On Nov 20, 2011, at 6:25 PM, nma <nma@nma-se.com> wrote:
> Let's see: You got stranded someplace?
>
> I had to look up what "sine qua non" meant - my school only taught me
engineering.
>
> Gave up on Buicks in 1985 after two of my company cars had to get new
transmissions.
> Gave up on my 94 Plymouth Voyager about ten years ago when the
transmission gave out and the paint started pealing. Now used as a
"truck" for hauling stuff to the dumps.
>
> Neil
>
> Early Happy Thanksgiving, Bill. (I think that is still PC, but I've
got lots of turkeys here in beautiful downtown Shingle Springs.)
>
>
>
> On 11/20/2011 2:44 PM, Bill Polhemus wrote:
>> Why is it that the USA is considered the sine qua non of scientific
and engineering innovation: aerospace, solid state electronics, pure
research of any and every kind. We lead or seriously compete in nearly
every area of human endeavor.
>>
>> Yet we cannot manage to design and manufacture a reliable passenger
automobile? WTF!
>>
>> (POLITICAL CORRECTNESS DISCLAIMER: This is not an intent to disparage
any other nation, creed, color, or faith. It is my opinion. If you find
yourself angry at my words, then simply reject my opinion and substitute
your own).
>>
>> William L. Polhemus, Jr. P.E.
>> Sent from my iPad 2
>
>
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