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Segway’s current owner, Beijing-based Ninebot, says the PT sales were hampered by the vehicles’ sheer unkillability: “We have seen an over-saturation of the mar
by jm234541436234 6y ago
Segway’s current owner, Beijing-based Ninebot, says the PT sales were hampered by the vehicles’ sheer unkillability: “We have seen an over-saturation of the market for Segway PTs,” the company said in a statement. “They are an extremely durable vehicle, with many that are 10 years or older still on the road.” The Segway PT made up less than 1.5 percent of the company’s revenue last year.
Should there be some sort of subsidy for 'things that last'? Or 'year beyond average lifespan that thing is still in use'?
It feels like companies will actively try to avoid making durable things if there isn't.
- echelon 6y agoThis is why products are starting to turn into subscriptions. When you bought Adobe Photoshop, you never needed to update it. Likewise, if you buy a Honda or other well-engineered car, you'll be able to get a decade or more out of it. Thinkpads used to last forever and were user upgradable. Tesla is introducing micro-payments and unlockables. I think other auto makers will follow suit. Why can't farmers repair their own John Deere equipment that they "own"? Everything is turning into recurring revenue.
- zdragnar 6y agoBy the sound of it, BMW is planning micropaymemts and subscriptions as well, with one example given in the original article being heated seats you only subscribe to in winter months.