The idea that automakers can be profitable with planned obsolescence died in the 1970s, when they were forced to compete with Japanese vehicles.
For example, Toyota makes highly reliable, low maintenance, cars and is so profitable that it is widely expected to become the world's largest auto maker this year.
And the automakers don't generally maintain their own vehicles. Private garages do that. So the idea that auto companies would lose money on repairs if cars don't break doesn't wash.
um he said lost sales not lost repair fees. it was widely reported GM quit producing the Chevette because it was designed so well people had little need to trade in for a newer one as the one they had still performed as well as when they bought it...
