It's almost counterintuitive that even though automotive technology is more mature than 30 - 50 years ago, platforms today seem to have ever-shorter lifespans.
But the larger point is that usually with a new technology we see early models having a short lifespan (Lockheed Constellation 1943-1958) and then, over time, models have longer life (737MAX, or 777X, which has been in testing since 2017, more than half of Connie's production life).
But automotive seems to have gone from long-lived platforms like the VW Type 1, Mini (1959-2000), Range Rover Classic (1970-1996), Volvo 200 (1974-1993), and Ford Falcon platform (1960-1980) to very short refresh cycles.
(In related news, the Rolling Stones have titled their 2026 tour "One Last Ride.")
It's almost counterintuitive that even though automotive technology is more mature than 30 - 50 years ago, platforms today seem to have ever-shorter lifespans.
It was such a competitor to mbz 300td wagon and looked good being one
Substantially different class from MB, IMO.
But the larger point is that usually with a new technology we see early models having a short lifespan (Lockheed Constellation 1943-1958) and then, over time, models have longer life (737MAX, or 777X, which has been in testing since 2017, more than half of Connie's production life).
But automotive seems to have gone from long-lived platforms like the VW Type 1, Mini (1959-2000), Range Rover Classic (1970-1996), Volvo 200 (1974-1993), and Ford Falcon platform (1960-1980) to very short refresh cycles.
(In related news, the Rolling Stones have titled their 2026 tour "One Last Ride.")
Our friends called theirs the “Lead Sled.” Served them well.
Pretty nice .
-Nate