Is Porsche The King Of Sustainability?

[austin552]

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/NussbaumOnDesign/archives/2007/10/is_porsche_the.html

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Well, except for the occasional fire loss or loss due to collision with idiot-driving-throwaway-POS-SUV. . .

I agree completely though. There is still a market for good design. There are still enough people out there who value it. The problem is most people are being conditioned to view everything as a disposable, throwaway commodity. A nation of indiscriminate, unsophisticated trash-producers is what we're becoming.

Design and build quality do actually matter. At least to some people.

[Mo_Gearhead]

There will ALWAYS be a demand for unique, well made, attractive, well designed, items. Whether it be a fine car, watch, rifle/pistol, piece of furniture, etc.

Thus there will always be those manufacturers that cater to those desiring uniqueness. They do not set out to appeal to 'the masses', nor do they need to.

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by Mo_Gearhead

There will ALWAYS be a demand for unique, well made, attractive, well designed, items. Whether it be a fine car, watch, rifle/pistol, piece of furniture, etc.

Thus there will always be those manufacturers that cater to those desiring uniqueness. They do not set out to appeal to 'the masses', nor do they need to.

Actually, I'm not even sure that "unique" is a necessity for many people. As Jeff was saying, quality alone can be enough.

Case in point: We had a $15 dollar toaser that lasted a couple months. My wife replaced it with another $15 toaster, which lasted 3-4 months. Frustrated, she bought a $40 toaster, which was the same as the others, but had a stainless outside. It lasted about 3-4 months. (we toast A LOT)

That's $70 in toasters in about a year. What's a GOOD toaster cost? about $70.

[kach22i]

60% of all Porsche's ever made are still on the road today. Now think about that.

What's typical for an American or Japanese make?

[Moneyguy1]

To be fair, many of those Porsche cars never see Winter weather and are stored during periods of inclement weather. Not to mention being pampered!! True, some are used daily and see all kinds of weather, but those wind up in the 40% that are "no longer in service".

I have had all kinds of cars in my life, and most of them lasted a good long while with basic care. Most "daily driver" types of cars are negleted, mistreated, and still provide reliable service or years, their lives being shortened because of the conditions they see during their years of yeoman duty.

Just my take. The Porsche is a fine car, desired by many, and capable of great performance, but always at a price in parts and service. No car should be neglected and then cursed when it breaks down.

[gprsh924]

Our 924s was used daily for about 7 years, then went to third car status and then back to daily use for the last 3 years basically...still going relatively strong

[austin552]

Hope to get my Porsche on the road soon.

[svandamme]

i think that 60% number is not realistic when i see how many 944's are parted out these days by racers and folks who want to make quick money off some tired old 944's

how do they come up with 60% world wide?
how many of those 60% are still in drivable condition?
are they sure that those 60% , aren't in some salvage yard, being picked apart by the vultures, till only the chassis itself is left over to rot away?

[tcar]

As the saying goes...

90% of Harleys are still on the road.

The other 10% actually made it back home.

[the]

Originally Posted by kach22i

60% of all Porsche's ever made are still on the road today. Now think about that.

What's typical for an American or Japanese make?

That number would probably be 85% if you didn't count 924's and 944's (which really shouldn't be counted anyways).