The Aerus dealer that is only about 5 minutes from my house still seems to be doing well. They have been in the same location for more than 20 years and the sign above the store was never changed (its in a strip mall) and still says ELECTROLUX. Aerus/Electrolux vacuums have always been very propular here as they are easy to use and often lasted for many years. I was in the Aerus store two weeks ago to buy 2 chrome wands and replacement brush strips for the combination floor tool, had a nice converstation with the sales lady who has been there forever, and walked out with $78 less in my wallet. The wands are made nicely and I know they will last forever so I guess their price of $27 each was justified.
Electrolux/Aerus did make a HUGE change in their product line up when they introduced the Renaissance back in 1994. It was a completely new body style, with a design reminiscent of the model XXX, and it was completely different from any machine Lux was producing at that time or had been making previously. While not everyone was thrilled with the plastic wand set up, it was a new innovation, as well as the digital handle controls that now allowed the user to control every function of the machine at their fingertips. And lets not forget the longer cord, finally a Lux tank with a cord longer than 20 feet! Although the reliability of the first Renaissance machines wasn't up to par with other Lux vacuums, they did sort out most problems with the machine.
As for why Electrolux would have gone through all the trouble to produce this machine and then totally abandon the R-style machines is something we will never know. The Renaissance body, even though it dates back to 94, is the most recently designed body style, and Lux could have improved further upon this machine. With some minor improvements it certainly would have been a solid TOL machine to compete with others on the market as well as justify its premium price tag. I have always loved Electrolux vacuums, it’s the vacuum that started it all for me, but the Aerus corporation really leaves me scratching my head wondering what the hell they are thinking!! If only one of us in this club could be in control of the company, then Lux could be restored back to its former glory. I guess that’s just wishful thinking though.