GMC Hummer External Environment
Customers
There are two distinct groups of people who purchase Hummers: those who use it for practical purposes and those who drive the vehicle as a status symbol. The first group of people is those that drive the vehicle for more practical purposes. According to the article Hummer, the hummer was built based on the concept of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Hum-Vee). The HMMWV were military vehicles that provided aid to troops in rough terrain environments (2006, p.1). Therefore, a segment of the Hummer enthusiast population are the type of people that enjoy driving these vehicles off road, as well enjoy the power the vehicle provides to drive up steep hills, rough terrain obstacles, and even drive it through shallow water. The second group of people is those that drive the vehicle as a status symbol. Gross explains that after the attacks on the World Trade Centre, "Hummers became a cocky symbol of American greatness" (p. 1). The people who drove the Hummer were those that wanted to show there support for the troops in Iraq as well stimulate the economy (2006, p.1). However, people who do not purchase the Hummer in support of the war; purchase the Hummer for the status that the car gives off. For example, these people may want to show how successful they are, to show that they enjoy the finer things in life, to have one of the largest vehicles on the road, or enjoy the rugged look of the vehicle.
Competition
The Hummer has cornered themselves into a niche market from which the design has not yet been explored in the consumer automobile market. When we think about a vehicle that is both large and powerful, the first vehicle that most people think of is the Hummer. However, as the Hummer slowly enters the luxury SUV market with the introduction of the H3, the market becomes very fierce. Almost every major automaker has a SUV vehicle in the market; for example, Land Rovers whom are known for their world class luxury SUV's. As well, Jeep has become a competing force in the SUV market by offering rugged 4x4 vehicles at affordable prices.
Other competitors in the SUV market include Porsche Cayenne; BMW X5, X3; Lincoln Navigator; Acura RDX, MDX; Ford Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Edge; GMC Envoy, Yukon; Buick Rainier, Rendezvous; Cadillac Escalade, SRX; Chevrolet Equinox, HHR, Suburban, Tahoe,
Sports Utility Vehicles have long maintained the reputation of being gas guzzlers and detrimental to the environment. In the article, “Why Environmentalists Attack the SUV,” Mr. John Bragg presents the argument that the SUV is a symbol of Americanism. While it is easy to understand his thinking, it is largely based upon subjective reasoning. Conversely, the SUV.org article, “Environmental Double Standards for Sport Utility Vehicles,” postulates that SUV’s represent a paradox to consumers. Additionally, cartoonist, Khalil Bendib takes a drastic approach by overtly stating that American automotive corporations are directly contributing to the degradation of the environment.
In 1960, the American car landscape itself had expanded as Detroit began offering “compacts” alongside their full-size models. Many drivers, however, were looking for something in between these full size and compact model; this interest gave way to a new class, the intermediate. With many innovations between 1960 and 1964, like the 406 cubic inch V8 from Ford, the 389 from General Motors, and the wedge V8s from Chrysler, the golden age of muscle cars began in 1964. The Pontiac Tempest G...
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LRNA needs to determine a positioning strategy for the Discovery and itself in North America to entice its two distinct target markets. LRNA is aware that it has two distinct target markets whose purchasing decisions are impacted by various drivers but also knows that factors such as quality, safety, reliability, comfort, off-road capability and aesthetics overlap. When compared with other SUVs or SUV alternatives, we believe the following differences should be highlighted to develop a distinctive niche for the Discovery and Land Rover brand in the target audience’s mind. The Discovery and Land Rover brand should be positioned as luxury car alternatives with rich histories and superb off-road capabilities designed for the crème-de-la-crème of consumers: affluent, intelligent, practical, unique, full of character, and seeking to empower themselves through adventure and exploration during their driving experiences. The Discovery and Land Rover brand should, in effect, convey the following message: you are what you drive.
The issue of whether customers should buy FWD and RWD cars is complex and controversial. Different people hold different ideas due to their drive experience and consumers attitudes. On one hand, lots of people believe that only RWD cars represent Luxury and high-performance. On the other hand, the car made on FWD are much cheaper and popular. However, most of customers are blind and ignorant on it. Many of them don’t even know the automobile layout of their sedan after use it for decades.
The majority of people, especially in America, cannot go about their daily lives without a car. Automobiles have instilled themselves in peoples’ lives and shown their usefulness since their debut in 1769. Since then, humans have redesigned and refined the automobile thousands of times, each time making the vehicle more efficient and economical than before. Now as the world approaches an ethical decision to dwarf all others, many people look toward automotives for yet another change. The emergence of the hypercar due to ecological turmoil exemplifies the change the world has demanded. Hypercars alter everything people know about automotives, modern ecology, and fuel efficiency. Not only do hypercars offer a solution to many ecological problems humans are faced with now, they also represent the only logical area for the automotive industry, and by some stretch American society, to expand.
There are many different automobile companies providing buyers with many styles of cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles. Toronto Star January 14, 2005 present ways to approach the automotive buying process. There are many different surveys, crash reports, and rating systems comparing different companies and their vehicles. Things you should look for when reading these published articles are who conducted the study? Who paid for it? Who gains from it? Who loses? These are all things to keep eye on as some automotive companies will run their own surveys making their products seem overpowering against the competition. Some prove their products are safer then the competition where the competition has been proven time and time again to make that survey seem inaccurate.
In 2000, Kia continues to sell a wide range of vehicles. They target a wide range of needs by offering less expensive economic ...
Another strategy used by BMW to differentiate itself from other automakers in the market is the proactive usage of technology and innovativeness in the development of products. From the early 1990’s, BMW has been on the forefront of incorporating technology in its designs in line with the technological advances of the modern world. This has led to the creation of inventive products. The uniqueness of these auto products put BMW in a position of advantage. The development of the hydrogen car as early as 2000 was an indicator of the company’s innovative strategy. In addition, the company also presents itself as environment friendly creating a whole range of vehicles in this category. This is a differentiation strategy meant to boost the company’s image and reputation amongst customers. In addition, this gives the environment conscious customers a variety of products to choose from giving BMW an upper hand in the industry.
One of the very first things a buyer should consider when looking for a car is what kind of car he/she wants. Many different factors can affect the car buying process. For one, the buyer must consider how big of a vehicle he/she wants and safety features like airbags, seatbelts, and working brakes. Itemizing a list of accessories can also help narrow down what kind of car to buy. While some people might prefer a Sedan with a large back seat and seat warmers, others may prefer an extreme luxury car with full stereo systems and miniature televisions. Every person has different tastes in accessories; luckily, there is a vehicle that can fit almost every personality. Most new models have the latest technology installed, although some of the “newer” used cars have the option of adding in those accessories. Once the...
Toyota’s uses both differentiation and low cost as generic strategies to try and gain a competitive advantage over their competitors in the automotive industry. The market scope that Toyota uses is a broad one that encompasses nearly every type of customer that is in the market to purchase an automobile. Toyota is able to target such a large market because they have something for everyone. Toyota has four wheel drive trucks and SUVs for the outdoor types or those who live in areas that face severe weather conditions, hybrid models like the Prius for the eco-friendly customers that are interested in saving the environment, along with the standard cars for general, everyday use. Additionally, Toyota provides vehicles for all price ranges.
of cars but also in a wide range of styles and sizes, including, mini-vans, sport utility vehicles
Porsche is always a want to consumers because they have the mind of concept that owning Porsche is meant for upper social class and it could bring them to a higher status as the value is high. Therefore, the Porsche 914 and 944 models were out in the market in 1970s and 1980s to attract consumers from different social classes who could not afford a traditional Porsche model. At that time, consumers bought the 914 and 944 models to satisfy their needs and wants because they wanted the image of the brand. It also boost their confidence and low self-esteem while being associated with upper social classes.
In today’s society when you think about super extravagant, high end, luxurious vehicles, what top of the line automotives can you actually think of that comes to mind? If you guessed correctly it would actually be no other than “The Mercedes Benz”. Mercedes Benz is known to man as one of the finest cars of luxury dated back to the late 1800. In 1886 Karl Benz invented the first horseless tricycle. Later on in the early 1900’s both Karl Benz and Gottlieb Dailmer whom were both born in Germany teamed up and branded the first “Mercedes”, which was known as the first automobile which was also developed by William Maybach. Also known for the first car with four wheels
Due to the high market share and high barrier of entry, Honda and Ford have an oligopolistic relationship within the SUV market. These two companies tend to have similar prices against any other