The cross-relationship between technology and quality

In today's automobiles, giant screens, sensors, ambient lighting, and autonomous driving systems capture people's interest. At first glance, everything seems more advanced than before. However, after a short period of use, software bugs, trim rattles, electronic malfunctions, and in some cases, serious engine problems can emerge. Moreover, even premium brands are no longer exempt from this.

Throughout my life, I have driven 50-60 different vehicles, including race cars; from the Renault 9 to the Porsche 911 GT3. Therefore, I do not evaluate the difference between the old and the new solely through nostalgia. Today's cars may be technologically far ahead, but we do not see the same progress in manufacturing quality.

Especially after the pandemic, the rise of Chinese manufacturers changed the balance of the sector. They began offering many features we see in premium German cars at much lower costs. Large screens, cameras, electric seats, high power, and countless electronic features... The Chinese have progressed very quickly in this regard. However, an automobile is not just about equipment. Material quality, chassis engineering, insulation, durability, and long-term reliability are just as important as technology. Airbags that do not deploy in accidents, etc. In our country, people are forced to ride in vehicles that lack a proper chassis just because they are cheap and well-equipped. Yes, they are good with batteries in electric vehicles and they set records at the famous Nürburgring track, but those types of vehicles do not come to Turkey. And my favorite, Porsche, already broke the lap record in their respective categories a month later.

The real problem is not so much the Chinese cars themselves, but the fact that the competition they created has changed the entire sector. While traditional manufacturers are spending billions on electrification on one hand, they are trying to keep up with the price and equipment levels of their Chinese rivals on the other. As a result, the pressure to cut costs has begun to be felt in every part of the automobile.

We used to ask, "Does this car have any chronic issues?" Today, we ask directly, "What is its chronic issue?"

Because something is being discussed for almost every brand. In one place, alternator problems

(e-TSI), in another, serious engine problems due to wet timing belts (1.2 PureTech); elsewhere, transmission (dry-type DSG, E-DCS6), electronic system, or cooling problems... Even in premium cars worth millions of liras, software bugs and trim rattles (new generation Mercedes models) are no longer considered surprising.

Unfortunately, the German cars that many of us love could not escape this change either. The sense of quality that used to make itself felt the moment you closed the door has gradually been replaced by screens and electronic gadgets. The car is more expensive, more powerful, and more technological; however, from the materials used to the precision of assembly, it may not feel as meticulous as it once did.

Today's cars may be safer, faster, and more technological. However, technology and quality are not the same thing. Quality is not about the car impressing you for five minutes in the showroom, but how solid and smooth it still feels after 150,000 kilometers.

The contradiction the automotive sector is experiencing today is exactly here:

Technology has advanced more than ever; however, the fundamental quality of the automobile has not progressed at the same speed. In fact, in many respects, it has gone backward.