Not every step has been a step forward.
IMHO, it’s all about profits and money of course. But in many cases it’s LESS environmental, LESS safe (cars are getting smaller and lighter), LESS reliable, harder to repair and often with proprietary parts not even available after a few years (essentially disposable and that’s why often less environmental).
Why could we build refrigerators in 1952 that last 56 years (I had a Fridgeadaire in the hot Texas garage keeping the sodas cold that was 56 years old!), but in 2008 we can’t build a fridge to last 20 (and that’s not a joke)?
And what is the “logic” behind replacing a mechanical control system with a digital one on appliances like dishwashers, washing and drying machines, etc? These are appliances that operate in an environment where you have moisture, heat, lint and vibration!
The new ones are cheaper can can support desirable features. Appliances do not need WIFI or Bluetooth.