Abstract An examination of 20 sites of automobile manufacturers seeking to understand how carmanufacturers use marketing strategies to attract customers. The investigation also reveals the best and worst Internet sites that the industry has to offer. The websites of various manufacturers and dealers allow the consumer to see the makes and models available and the retail price of the car. This leads to a well-informed consumer that will not be taken advantage of when they arrive at the dealership. The marketing strategies that the automobile industry uses include price comparisons, online quotes, online financing, brochures, customization, pictures and video of the exterior and interior of the vehicle. All of these strategies create a confident and well-informed consumer.
From the Paper "Honda manufactures automobiles under the brand name Honda and Acura. Hondacars.com provides consumers with a very simple black and white home page and allows viewers to locate a dealer, view models, and a page for owners? that provides information about vehicle maintenance and parts and services. The site provides 360? view of new vehicles through the use of photos and videos. This allows the consumer to view the interior and exterior of the vehicle with a few clicks of the mouse. The site also allows the consumer to customize a vehicle and view the MSRP. The Honda site is well designed and provides the consumer with relevant information. The simple design of the site provides for easy navigation and easy access to information that matters."
Abstract With the increased level of awareness of the environment, automotive carmanufacturers vie on the viability of selling environmentally hybrid cars. Leading this group are Honda and Toyota. This paper is a market analysis of the position of Toyota's Prius. It analyzes the situation of the firm in the market, the industry of hybrid cars, the strategy adopted by Prius and how it is faring in the market, the barriers of the market, some alternative strategies to rectify the weakness of Prius and the implementation of one of its alternatives.
From the Paper "Strength and weaknesses: Currently, the company is focussed on external environment more then its internal environment. This is because having established its organization on concrete structure right from the beginning. Set on a hereditary mode of operations, Toyota operates on hierarchy basis. The company believes in not firing its employees, which could be one of its greatest disadvantage resulting in redundant retainment. However, at the executive level, Toyota is one of the most admired companies due to efficient management planning.
The key to its success among consumers is its ease of sales through its drive-away pricing systems that takes away the issue of negotiation of new cars. Individual model prices are set in all geographical location therefore consumers are not subjected to dealer's manipulation. "
Abstract In the history of carmanufacturing and sales, Cadillac Automobile Company remains unsurpassed when it comes to identifying a brand that managed to achieve the highest status as America's primary luxury carmanufacturer. This paper discusses however, how Cadillac's failure to maintain its brand image power in terms of marketing, advertising and sales persisted because it was not able to capture the changing consumer market, especially the demographic shifts that has been occurring in the 21st century.
From the Paper "The first dilemma that Cadillac failed to remedy is the ineffective advertising campaigns Cadillac used during the '90s, wherein the ads failed to identify a particular audience at which the ad may be addressed (Delano, 1999:125). Because the ad targets no particular sector or segment of the market, cars manufactured during this period failed to achieve a high level of salability, as compared to the Cadillac tradition of quality-made and luxury cars. To further worsen the problem, Cadillac had been accused of violating provisions indicated in the Clean Air Act, and that General Motors-Cadillac "...had some Cadillac engines that were modified in a such way that the engines "defeated" their air pollution control system" (Doyle, 2000:150). Customer complaints alleging that the engines or car parts of Cadillac cars produced during the '90s were defective did not help bring back the strength of Cadillac's brand image power. As new car brands emerged in the market, Cadillac gradually lost its popularity and faded out of the luxury car manufacturing industry as the new millennium set in."
Abstract The paper discusses how the American automobile industry's position as international leader is highly threatened by the Japanese carmanufacturers who use higher production technologies and focus on delivering products that better meet the macroeconomic demands. The paper explains how the current business world forces American car producers to focus their attention towards satisfying the growing needs and demands of customers and protecting the environment.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Product Improvements
Fuel Efficiency
Loyalty to the National Product
Conclusions
From the Paper "The contemporaneous world is characterized by a rapid pace of development in all sectors of life and business. In order to remain competitive, corporations have to be able to quickly adapt to the macroeconomic changes. The developments have such strong impacts upon companies that they can easily drive an international leader to bankruptcy and replace him with a better prepared and more adaptable competitor. This possibility threatens the American car industry who might soon get overthrown as international leader by their Asian competitors."
Abstract In general terms, most Americans agree that the use of bait cars by law enforcement is justified, for they consider it a common sense response by the police to the complexities of reducing car theft. They see it as an effective policy in two ways, for in addition to enabling police to catch car thieves in the commission of a crime, it provides a general deterrent, for active car thieves will be wary of stealing any car because they can never be certain whether a car they are targeting for theft is a bait car. This paper discusses the use of bait cars by police and sheriff's departments in the United States and looks at why, in spite of the many advantages this practice offers, it continues to be a controversial issue in the minds of some people.
Abstract This paper studies muscle cars and their accompanying culture. It details the emergence of muscle cars in the 1960's and how the industry met the public needs, and their fall in the 1970's. It concludes that the enforcement of government emissions standards, combined with the switch to lower octane gasoline eventually lead to the death of the muscle car.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Industry
Individuality
Muscle Cars Emerge
The End of an Era
Conclusion
Interview
From the Paper "Car culture has been around as long as the automobile. For over 100 years the automobile has been an icon in American history and in people's lives. People have a long history of defining themselves by the car they drive, and judging others in this same way. What you drive can mean different things to different people, but it always means something. It reflects financial and social status, as well as personal expression. For people who wanted to be thought of as sexy, bold, and fast"the muscle car was the answer. After the end of World War II, Americans became obsessed with the automobile. Suddenly, cars become more than just tools, more for just transportation"they became identity to some people. People were what they drove. ?It was only natural that such a state of devotion to an inanimate/animate object should lead to a prominent sub-culture of super-fanatics.? (Anselmi, 1984) That love of the automobile became the catalyst for securing its place into pop culture and ultimately what has been the driving force behind the auto industry ever since. The muscle car was conceived by this driving force."
Abstract This paper is on the prospects for the hydrogen powered car, noting the stakeholders involved, some of what they want, and how likely it is that the car will be produced in the near future. The paper indicates that the primary problem may be getting the fuel to the consumer in an economical way, given that the ultimate stakeholder is the consumer, who will be asked to buy these cars and who will want to have a car that performs as well as possible and to be able to refuel easily and economically.
From the Paper "Hydrogen-powered cars operate on energy produced by the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen, with the only by-product being water. Stacy (2003) notes that General Motors is to provide $44 million to build a fleet of 40 hydrogen-fueled cars for use in New York, Washington, Michigan, and California, with another $44 million in matching funds to be provided by the U.S. Dept. of Energy. In addition, Shell Hydrogen LLC is to create five refueling stations in New York, Washington, California, and along the east coast, and this is seen as a major step in the development of hydrogen-fueled cars, given that automakers are reluctant to develop hydrogen cars both because of the cost and because of the current lack of refueling stations (Stacy, 2003, para. 1)."
Abstract This paper assesses the strengths and weaknesses of Toyota's product, a hybrid electric car. The car is eco-friendly and it is important that the product is carefully assessed in detail before it is launched in the North American market. The paper also offers some concrete marketing suggestions, which can help the company in successfully introducing the product globally.
Abstract This paper discusses how mass production of cars started at the beginning of the 20th century and grew rapidly and how, since that time, our world has changed virtually beyond recognition. It discusses the changes that this particular technological advance has caused, focusing on changes in mode of production, changes in family life and ecological effects.
Abstract A discussion of the status of manufacturing industries in New York state between 1970 and 2000, with a view toward showing how the manufacuring economy changed during that peiod resulting in a decline of manufacturing. Structural changes in place to restore the manufacturing economy.
From the Paper The purpose of this research is to examine the decline ofmanufacturing in New York state from to The plan of the researchwill be to set forth the historical and economic context in whichmanufacturing in the state of New York achieved importance and then t
Tags: New, York, manufacturing, economic, decline, unions
Abstract This paper discusses, from a human resources perspective, the various methods of training employees in computer-assisted manufacturing. The strengths and weaknesses of these methods are evaluated in terms of the training outcomes. Several examples of companies who have given computer-assisted training to employees are presented. The paper also discusses the role of transformational leadership during times of change within a company. Human resources plays a role in developing these leaders and promoting them. The paper summarizes the role of human resources for companies involved in manufacturing to stay competitive.
Outline:
Introduction
Management Training and Leadership
Changing the Image Associated with Manufacturing Employee Training and Retraining
Implementation of New Hiring Standards
Conducting an Internal Audit
Conclusion
From the Paper "Since the job market has become tighter in recent years as employment levels have increased, manufacturers must develop wider hiring standards, and train a person with no skills as compared to hiring a person with previously acquired skills. Research indicates that government assistance in the form of tax credits would encourage manufacturers to train their low-level managers and non-supervisory employees. Increasing credits for manufacturers who use state certified education/training institutions would strengthen relationships between the industry and certified training providers (Carnevale, 1990). These ideas imply that the anticipation of rewards is important as well as the perceived contingency between the behaviors desired by the organization and the desired rewards. This also implies that since different people desire different rewards, organizations should try to match rewards with what employees want. However, there may be possible difficulties. Employees may not believe that good performance does in fact lead to more desired rewards, and convincing them may require more changes than the organization is prepared to make. Poor selection and training of employees, for example, even with maximum effort, results in poor performance.
Tags: computer-assisted, manufacturing, human, resources, employees, training
Abstract The practice of statistics in a manufacturing facility is incredibly important for two key reasons: Statistics help to address economic concerns and the functionality of equipment. This paper examines these two specific areas in respect to how statistics are necessary to promote the best interests of the manufacturing facilities. This paper takes the form of an applied knowledge report, where the materials are examined and are then demonstrated in their practice.
Abstract This paper explains that changes in economic activities, such as manufacturing and agriculture, are largely determined by three interconnected factors: Geographic proximity to natural resources, in technology changes and demographics changes. The author uses a number of atlas plates to make arguments about how the manufacturing structure has developed in Canada. The paper relates that agricultural trading centers have become successful and growing commercial centers, consuming high-quality agricultural land.
From the Paper "Changes in economic activities such as manufacturing and agriculture are largely determined by three interconnected factors. These factors are geographic proximity to natural resources, changes in technology and demographics. For example, in Urban Consumption of Agricultural Land Nancy Hofmann states, Many towns that started as agricultural trading centers have become successful and growing commercial centers. Part of their original comparative advantage was their proximity to productive and fertile agricultural land. Now their continuing expansion is consuming this high-quality agricultural land (Hofmann 1). What this indicates is that urban centers developed primarily because of the natural resources within the area."
Abstract The intent of this paper is to provide an overview of both the perception versus the realities of global manufacturing. The writer points out that the reality of outsourcing is that it is a global business dynamic that reflects a company's need to follow the lowest cost of manufacturing, service and support around the globe. In addition, the writer notes that the Internet has forced the responsibility of global competition on previously parochial, regionalized businesses. The writer concludes that that the Internet and globalization has forever changed the face of global competition, and that offshore outsourcing is going to continue and grow due to cost advantages.
Outline:
Summary
Financial Implications for the U.S. Regarding Outsourcing
Offshore Outsourcing Has Become the Political Football of Choice
Conclusion
From the Paper "The key take-away from the debate at the CEO Forum was not necessarily how key economic indicators are defining varying degrees of growth or lack thereof in the American economy. Rather, the discussion made one very glaring and uncomfortable fact true; unions and their usefulness are quickly losing relevancy, and in a globally competitive arena, labor costs will make or break the long-term competitive strength of any nation. Artificially inflated labor rates, as Ford Motor Company has done for example, are a strategy that no longer works as the auto company's recent financial performance proves. Jobs and professions that require brains over brawn and muscle dominate high growth professions, and while Democratic party officials worry about the loss of their constituents from unions, the broader fear that needs to be confronted is equipping the next generation of American workers with the intellectual tools to compete, not simply an attitude of entitlement that tends to pervade households where multiple generations have been in unions."
