Built-in obsolescence

Has there ever before been a period in automotive history where virtually every new car being released is almost instantly obsolete?

So many launches today provide specification data that will only be relevant for a very short period of time. Short electric range (but getting longer each time), compromised hybrid technology, etc. In reality none of these cars do what they claim to do and none of them make sense as longterm ownership propositions.

Each new model is a stepping stone between what will soon be historic ICE cars and the eventual panacea for our future mobility, whatever that may be. Values are already plummeting for early-adopter cars, such as the Taycan (I have one and it is brilliant but enormously compromised as an only car). At what point will private buyers in particular stop buying these new cars and opt for a safer bet for their money, such as an older ICE car?

With ten years to go until the ban, surely there is an opportunity for manufacturers to create a series of old-fashioned, basic ICE cars. Relatively light weight, rear-wheel drive, no touchscreens, minimal computer interference and no bloody hybrid technology.

They shouldn’t be crazily expensive, stupidly fast, limited-edition nonsense either. Just basic, midrange, brilliant cars sold in as many numbers as the legislation permits.

I would imagine they would be massively in demand by not just enthusiasts but also people who generally can’t stand the high level of tech and complication that we currently must endure.

It would be a fitting end to the pure ICE car as we know it and a thank you to all of the loyal customers before we transition into the future for good. These cars would instantly become future classics and would not be obsolete within three years of purchase. There is still plenty of time.

Neil Patten