Nature versus Hi-Tech

Mechanic Mark Buche says he sees one or two vehicles a week with rodent damage like this brake sensor wire.

A story in the news about rodents eating the wiring in newer cars and trucks reminded me of a story I read a long time ago. I don't remember the name of the story or the author, but if I relate what I do remember, perhaps someone here will recognize it.
    At some indefinite time in the distant future, a salesman is tasked with demonstrating his companies latest electric runabout (scooter?) to a primitive population. The 'natives' don't care for anything his hi-tech society produces, they are getting along just fine, but to humor the salesman they arrange a race between him and his scooter and one of their people riding some kind of animal. The salesman is sure of victory and a sale until his scooter won't start. It seems some kind of 'bug' has eaten the rhodium rotor out of the motor.
    One other facet I remember is the salesman goes into one of their dwellings for a meeting and, given that they have different standards of cleanliness, the stench almost makes him gag.

Via Indy Tom