I think this is more a statement about the Detroit auto scene being objectively behind other areas. Yeah age discrimination plays a part but in this case it's actually justified as opposed to just being cheaper.
The syndrome, reported in 2011, gets its name from Detroit, and more specifically from its reputation as a manufacturing hub for automobiles, in which newer models would replace the older ones on a regular basis.
The syndrome, reported in 2011, gets its name from Detroit, and more specifically from its reputation as a manufacturing hub for automobiles, in which newer models would replace the older ones on a regular basis.
I.e., "replaced by a newer/younger model".