Automobiles in Latvia

2157 Words5 Pages

Local Market

While there are many components of the local market to consider in Latvia, our group decided to focus on two critical insights. The first element involves the economic climate. During the past decade, members of the Baltic States experienced tremendous economic growth. Foreign and domestic investors were pouring funds into Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. As a result, GDP in Latvia increased by 12.3% during 2006 and 10.2% during 2007 (CIA World Factbook). This growth was spurred by three market factors. First, real estate prices rose by nearly 60% during 2005. Second, consumer expenditures drastically increased. By 2006, the current account deficit amounted to 25% of the Latvia’s GDP. Third, wage and price inflation rose by 10% during 2007 (The Party is Nearly Over). These elements supported tremendous economic activity, helping to explain the high growth recorded during 2006 and 2007. However, these economic catalysts were not sustainable. By 2008, GDP in Latvia would contract by 5% (CIA World Factbook). The after effects of an overheated economy shape the needs of Latvian consumers. Particularly, a recovering economy influences consumers to seek out simplified and dependable products. With a lower marginal propensity to consumer, economically average individuals practice more conservative spending habits. This insight shapes our overall marketing strategy.

The second component of the local market embodies Latvia’s geography and topography. Like the economic climate, this knowledge provides relevant information about consumers’ needs for products. Latvia is relatively small in size, assessed to have a land area of approximately 63,500 square kilometers (CIA World Factbook). The s...

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... next 7 largest cities after Riga - Liepaja, Ventspils, Jelgava, Jekabpils, Daugavpils, Rezekne, Cesis, Valmiera. Although the dealerships will own the title to our product, we will make sure that they are marketing, selling, and advertising the car in a way that conforms to the worldwide standards of our company. We will make sure that our automobiles are prominently displayed alongside our competitors, because often these licensed dealerships have contracts to sell automobiles from three or four companies. The marketing of our cars should be consistent with our company and worldwide image. To speed this process up, we will offer training for dealers and salesmen in Latvia. Furthermore, how the car drives and feels is very important, so we will have test drives available. Customers will be able to book test drives online or call the dealerships to schedule a drive.

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