BMW USA: Country of Origin and Consumer Perception
Definitions of country of origin can be difficult to construct in a manner that is both specific and inclusive, as Jones and Martin (2012) make clear in their report for the Congressional Research Service. When a product is manufactured in and with materials from only one country and the company is based on that country as well then there is a self-evident country of origin, but this is often not the case with finished goods (Jones & Martin, 2012). Country of origin is therefore typically determined on a case-by-case basis, with the country providing the bulk of manufacturing usually considered the country of origin but with major materials suppliers or corporate domestic operations sometimes serving as the basis for country of origin selection (Jones & Martin, 2012). Despite the fact that BMW USA has a substantial US-based manufacturing operation, the company and its brand are still seen as having Germany as a country of origin (BMW USA, 2012). Decades-old research did find a strong prejudice against German products among American consumers, however now that several generations have passed since World War II these views are far less present and in fact a renewed respect for German engineering, quality, and luxury actually creates a positive brand image associated with Germany as a country of origin (Peterson, 2009). Country of origin is also becoming less of a consumer issue overall in an increasingly globalized
The second question asks, “What are the communication ethics of labeling a product as made in a country (typically for marketing reasons) when it is only minimally true? Do you think that companies should have to disclose all of the locations where their products are made? Why or why not?” Unfortunately, laws for this situation are often ambiguous and vague; so companies are able to find ways around them, even more so when products cross into different countries that have entirely different laws and make it even easier for companies to be misleading through advertising. Ethically speaking, it makes more sense a company to be honest with potential customers, it builds trust creates and builds a better brand reputation. I believe companies should be obligated to be completely honest and clear about the materials and locations of which their products are made. This may potentially harm a company because it becomes easier for classified information to be leaked to the public, but this does not rationalize the idea of creating lies through advertising.
Vehicles have been evolving for years now. Seeing two different type of cars going against to see who is better, Is amazing. Comparing their Quality,Style,Gas,History and their parts in these amazing bodys of two great cars designer.To judge these cars are cause it depends on the person taste.Also in these cars we going to see who is the best manufacturer is just impracticable they are both well known in there own way.
The tags “made in country x” are only the last place it was made but often times it could be made in several countries to minimize costs so any country of production before could be completely transparent. Example: a shirt could be threaded in one country and dyed in another.
If you ever question whether American made matters, consider the way that the U.S. automotive industry has devolved. At one time, American auto makers led the world in their sector. Today, jobs that were formerly held by Americans have been outsourced to workers in other countries. In order to inject new life to the Middle Class and level the playing field once again, we must insist on the availability of American made products. Our buying decisions could make all the difference for Americans now and in the future.
The luxury cars industry is one of the most prestigious mass-production industries in Germany. The country is recognised by many as the native land of the automobile; in fact in 1901 900 vehicles a year were already produced.
What are the causes and consequences of BMW’s quality problems with newly launched products? What should be done to improve “launch quality”?
As a result of the increased demand of cars, the competition among car companies is becoming intense. Although the market of car is the biggest growing market in the world, there are still some companies who make cars failing year after year. However, there are some outstanding car companies such as The BMW Group performing distinctly.
BMW face though competition in US market after try to improve the situation by introduce number of new model to the core series, adjust pricing so it can compete, reorganize the dealer network and introduce new series of car to the market. Now we have a chance to focus on brand campaign call “BMW films” which is very successful campaign base on number of people who visit the web site and number of people who want more information about BMW.
BMW marketing veers towards standardization rather than towards adaptation although it has a combination of both. The aesthetics for instance on its websites and the rest of its marketing mix are similar on all its material reflecting standardization. The classic design accords with the image of the company and does not differentiate according to specific country. So, for instance, users switching from the Taiwanese website to the American one will find the same design. The dominant colors of BMW, too - blue, black, silver and grey- remained the same regardless of country, and the pictures are the same too
BMW has embarked on a mission to cut its notoriously long product development time in half utilizing a newly developed system code named "Digital Car". Senior management has decided to utilize the new process on the 7-series platform. In order to accomplish this goal, BMW is preparing to take advantage of the latest computer technology in car development. At the forefront of the new plan is a debate over the use of computer-aided-styling (CAS). We recommend that BMW implement the Computer Aided Styling system and processes into their production development program.
This marketing report aims to examine and explain the marketing strategies of BMW , In this report I will be focusing on:
BMW (U.S) Holding Corporation is a franchise of the high-end performance based global automotive company BMW. For the first time in its history, BMW is to launch its first American made car, the BMW Z3 Roadster. Having only made cars in Germany, this time the car is to be assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina. BMW’s objective is to expand its market share in the U.S., make the brand name more global and improve its dealer network. With this in mind, the company developed a two phases launch plan for the BMW Z3 Roadster.
"The mission statement up to the year 2020 is clearly defined: the BMW Group is the world 's leading provider of premium products and premium services for individual mobility."
However, due to its unique targeting strategy, it has not win compatible brand recognition among the public. Although Audi enter much earlier than BMW and Benz in the luxury car market, its marketing strategy limited increase of public brand recognition even Audi has over 100 years’ history. Besides, although its styles are highly accepted by the targeting customers, there are a growing number of people who can afford luxury cars for family use in China. Lack of vitality is limit of its further market expansion. On the contrary, its major competitor in China, BMW, has launched a series of marketing strategies to promote its high-performance, manoeuvrability, as well as stylish design to attract young people (BMW, 2009) in order to expand its market share. Therefore, although Audi has achieved success in the targeting market, it may consider further development through diversification in product line and advertising campaign.
Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X3 SUV, X5 SUV, X6 SUV, Z4 (Roadster), and M. The