Positioning Maps in Marketing: Cruiser Thorr Motorcycles Case Study

Each generation has its own characteristics, attitudes and lifestyle. Understanding their needs, wants and buying behaviors is essential to be able to connect with them. Efficient communication to convey the message will help gain their trust. Once gained, with their attention captivated, it will be easy to position the brand in their minds.

Harley Davidson is a motorcycle manufacturing company whose headquarters are located in Milwaukee Wisconsin. The company is the biggest motorcycle producer in the United States .it is over a century old. Started by the Davidson brothers- Arthur, William, and Walter together with William s. Harvey, the company designs, manufactures, and distributes motorcycles not only in the United States but also to the rest of the world. It has since been producing heavyweight machines for its loyal customers. It has maintained its stability and growth, and this expected, for years to come.

Currently H-D is the leading seller of heavy weight motorcycles across the entire world. Because they are at the pinnacle they are the target for the competition. Some of Harley Davidson 's advantages are name recognition, brand loyalty, brand quality and customer loyalty (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson, 2013, p. 81). The company benefits by having “the made in America” image attached to its products. The image of a Harley rider and owner is one of a tough, independent, free spirit, ready and willing to take on the world type of man. The sound of a H-D motorcycle in idle or being ridden is unique and very identifiable.

As a marketing manager for Cruiser Thorr who sells high end motorcycles. This organization is growing at a rapid pace. Indeed there is more structure needed to the marketing piece to sustain a successful business. Being that the industry of motorcycles is increasing annually. This organization must also work to satisfy the needs of their target customers. The organization must also work to differentiate themselves from other similar organizations as well. Key components in my opinion are the product uniqueness, safety, quality

Thorr has decided to launch RRoth. $12,649,000 is spent out of allotted $13 million dollars for the marketing plan. Keeping the young people and their salary range in mind, new motorcycle will be priced between $13000 and $15000. Wide range of promotional techniques will be used including sponsoring mega events like Daytona and getting celebrity endorsements. It also included insurance facility, protection offerings, and featuring of RRoth in Hollywood movies. Movies were specially focused because of young target audience. Dealers will sell the motorcycle all over the country. Official website will give complete information about the product including financing options. Planned services include customization options, club memberships and dealer training program. Financing option will ensure the customer from lower income group. Thorr is performing much better after the implementation of all the recommendations. Now, young people are opting for the new product enhancing company’s market position as well as sales.

Sales of the Cruiser Thorr are decreasing. The decrease is because the Cruiser Thorr’s target consumers are aging and their tastes

Early models, dating back to the late 1920s, were in the middleweight motorcycle class, but no one could seem to put their finger on the perfect combination of power and sleekness. Control and comfort were

By end of 90’s the company was dominant in many of the categories it competed in. The challenge was found in whether it can continue its dominance in it’s new, expanding product ranges and could maintain its dominance and synergy in its all categories on low and high price offering in hardware, home furnishings, office and house ware, while maintaining its management and corporate structures.

2.More resources should be spent on the Posse Rides to meet the rising expectations of participants.

This gain value and addresses a key decisive achievement factor in the industry (Grant,2010). As position is important to offer convenience and a deep assortment, An extra unique intangible resource would be their brand representation and customer loyalty, this is vital since it can attract or attract consumers and it could be necessary to build the brand image .

The third phase of the research requires interpretation of market research after one year of implementing the new marketing plan. In addition the RRoth’s perceptual map is created by choosing the relevant attributes. The CruiserThorr had a rating of 5 for price, because people viewed the bike as expensive when compared to other bikes. A lifestyle image of 9 was chosen because the bike fit the image the consumer wanted. Service offerings rated a 7 because some of the competitors offered more services. Quality engineering of the CruiserThorr rated an 8 because customers trust that the quality of the bikes from Thorr Motors is high and the company has a high brand image. The RRoth was rated an 8 for price because the motorcycle is cheaper than the CruiserThorr and appeals to young consumers. A rating of

To fill their psychological needs of freedom and individualism, as well as their sense of adventure, women are purchasing customized motorcycles by the thousands. Harley Davidson has certainly recognized the women motorcyclist market as a great growth opportunity for

Historically Harley-Davidson to be a Niche Marketer, which is they had focused in on one particular aspect of the market. Kotler and Keller identified the following characteristics of niche marketing; customers have a distinct set of needs, they are willing to pay more to the firm that best suits their needs, it is not likely to attract competitors, gains economies through specialized products and it has a size, profit and to grow. Almost all of these hold true for the “heavyweight” segment of motor cycles that Harley-Davidson produced.

Harley Davidson is known as one of the main motorcycle manufacturers and sellers in the United States. The company had good business and great market share in the early 1960s when it commanded a total of about 70% 0f the motorcycle market, before the invasion or the intrusion of a small Japanese firm that manufactured lighter motorcycles, known as the Honda. The case study as identifies that Harley Davidson assumed the invasion by the Japanese firm and instead of tackling the competition, it waited for a long time which resulted in the company losing its command in the motorcycle market in the United States. Lack of action by the management of Harley Davidson resulted in the failure of the company

The website of Harley Davidson gave us a new concept of Motorcycles! The extension of this website is exceptional. The virtual Customer Service in this website is notorious and extremely helpful. From other motorcycles websites this is one of the most professionals ones where the customer can get a flavor of the company from products up to their businesses profits and others...Harley Davidson publishes material related to all aspects of their motorcycles and provides to their own and the general public good information, expanding their products and other services with local information for countries around the world. Their information and technology, including digital libraries, metadata, authorization and