As we plow into 2012, it has become clear that the technology industry is like no other. Its changes come faster. Its marketing hits us more deeply. Its business models would look absurd in any other industry. Can you imagine what the world would look like if another industry worked like the tech industry? Like, say, cars?
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 9 — Here at the annual Consumer Electronic Automotive Show, the largest trade show in the world, the carheads have again made their annual pilgrimage to see what new breakthrough vehicles will be finding their way into American garages in the new year.
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Axxle, the Cupertino, Calif., automaker, is again notable by its absence. But even though its perfectionist founder, Steve Hubs, recently died, the company’s impact was everywhere at the show.
When Axxle announced its sleek, simple-to-drive iCar last year, automotive blogs like Gizmoto and Engearjet savaged it for its lack of a windshield, doors, roof and body. “Only the fanboys would want to drive a flat glass surfboard,” went a typical remark.
Once the iCar went on sale, however, it rapidly became the fastest-selling new vehicle in history. And at this year’s show, imitators are everywhere. Many are based on Andrive, a design offered by the mobile billboard giant Gogle (whose unofficial motto is, “Don’t be civil”). Andrive is regarded as a less polished but free chassis that closely resembles the iCar.
Andrive has become popular, but there are concerns. “They come out with new Andrive models too quickly,” says the auto blogger Michael Carrington. “I just bought a Motorolling Dride three weeks ago, and it’s already obsolete.”
Industry analysts are closely observing the fate of RIM (Reverse in Motion), whose Playbug vehicle, intended for business drivers, was originally released without a brake pedal or driver’s-side door. “We’ll get there,” said Mike Lazariding, co-chief executive. “We’ll release a free update to all Playbug owners once these components are finished.”
But it took longer than expected for RIM to complete these elements; in the meantime, public interest in the Playbug waned, and sales plummeted.
Of course, the fate of Fuelett-Packard is fresh on car fans’ minds. Its much-hyped TruckPad was discontinued only seven weeks after its release. Those unfortunate buyers who bought TruckPads now find themselves with orphaned vehicles, with no access to spare parts or repair facilities.
Vanazon.com, which operated unprofitably for several years before finally becoming the dominant car dealer (and now used-car dealer) online has a new vehicle. The Spindle Tire’s shockingly low price has made it a hit of the holiday car-buying season. “They’re selling each one at a loss,” says the car columnist David Coupe, “because their main business is selling gas, antifreeze and wiper fluid.”
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