Task 3.) BMW—Resource Base
Introduction
BMW is a well-established company that has operated in the automobile industry for almost 100 years. Over this time period the company had to face many challenges, however it managed to become one of the most successful and well-known companies in the world. (BMW) This analysis will examine BMW’s strategic resource base, how they are and should be managed and whether the competitive advantage of the company is sustainable. Further the paper will elaborate on if and how BMW is satisfying customer needs. Also threats regarding the competitive advantage of the company will be identified and examined.
Strategic Resources
BMW has been using a product differentiation strategy, which resulted in the generation
BMW has always been among the innovators in the industry. For instance the Bavarian carmaker was a pioneer of turbocharging (Meiners, 2015) and more recently the company is competing to bring the first steer-less car to the market (Gibbs, 2015). The “BMW Efficient Dynamics” strategy symbolizes this strong R&D and innovation emphasis of the company. BMW’s vision for this strategy is: “Sheer driving pleasure through maximum performance and minimal fuel consumption.“ The combination of efficiency and minimal fuel consumption has been quite successful which can be seen in the i series. Another difference between BMW and many of its competitors is the fact that the company tries to improve already existing products, whereas other car manufacturers usually leave their products unchanged. The R&D department of BMW therefore is not only concerned with creating new and innovative products and solutions, but also works on improving already existing and established cars. (BMW, 2015) According to a ranking by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) BMW is the third most innovative company in the automobile industry and 18th overall. (BCG Perspectives,
The strategic recommendations provided will improve and enable the business to cope with the competitors, while the implementation of the strategy section will outline the way to go about achieving these alternatives in the business setting. Lastly, we put up a discussion on the evaluation procedures and necessary controls for the business. In the case study, it was discovered that there were sources of opportunities in which the company would invest.
BMW having high market share in European and U.S luxury car markets, started facing issues with launch product qualities and also facing a fierce competition from Japanese producers. Currently the market share was still stable but the rigorous growth of Japanese producers would affect BMW in future. These Japanese competitors had set higher standards of conformance.
This is the second part of the strategic assignment. In this report the competecies, culture and resource analysis of Tesco is presented. Furthermore in this report SWOT analysis of Tesco is presented and then two strategic options are suggested to Tesco. The strategic options suggested are then evaluated through the SAF model.
3 reviewed relevant marketing plans from BMW. We needed to understand the “4 C’s”: their
In the recent past, Tesla has been noted as a great competitor in the automotive industry. This is attributed to its three huge competitive advantages. Generally, the advantage lies in its ability to bring about innovative disruption in the industry. This include; a strong battery supply chain that is sustainable in itself, a supercharger network celebrated by the customers and a software system several leagues ahead of its competitors (Zach, 2015).
Company Overview: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is a German holding company and automobile manufacturer that focuses on the automobile and motorcycle markets worldwide. Franz Josef Popp founded the company in March 1916. BMW is headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It also owns and produces Mini cars, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad. It divides its activities into the three main segments: Automobiles, Motorcycles and Financial Services. Its BMW automobile range encompasses the 1 Series, including three-door, five-door, coupe and convertible models; the 3 Series, including sedan, touring, coupe and convertible models; the brand new 4 series, featuring an only coupe design; the 5 Series, available in sedan and touring models; the 6 Series, available as a coupe or convertible; the 7 Series large sedan; the Z4 roadster and coupe; the sports utility vehicles, X3, X5 and X6 and M models, such as M3, M5 and M6. It has producing, assembly, service and sales subsidiaries throughout the world. For the sake of this project, I will be focusing on BMW’s automobile range mentioned above but specifically the 3 series line. The BMW 3 series proves to be the most profitable line due to its relatively low cost and affordability whilst featuring the thrill and power of a German engineered vehicle.
BMW has captured the attention of automobile drivers from all around the world with their “Ultimate Driving Machine.” The BMW Company was originally established in Germany and has extended nationally reaching over 12 countries. With Germany and the United States being the top two target countries, BMW has established their products as a combination of luxury, safety, and comfort with product lines to suit all styles of living. Revenues have been increasing each year since before 1996 with profits coming from product line of automobiles and motorcycles. In 2001, BMW came out with a new product group, the Mini. The Mini also contributed to the revenue increase in 2001. BMW has current developments in their sports cars, the Z8. BMW has created a trustworthy name for the automobiles they produce and has all the potential to continue their success in the future.
The innovation has had the backing of the investors with a lofty market cap of $30 billion thereby translating into a significant innovation premium. This premium has helped the Company contest to the topmost of “Forbes Most Innovative Companies” ranking in 2005 and stays in that positon further maintaining position one for the year 2016 classification (Gregersen, 2016). Discussion Subthemes The subthemes are desirable electric vehicles and transforming Auto industry from ICE vehicles to electric vehicles. These two themes are relevant to the global connections. To begin with, the Tesla has produced desirable electric vehicles which go faster and further than any other electric vehicles (Gregersen, 2016). Moreover, these desirable electric vehicles (cars) safer than the internal combustions engine (ICE) vehicles. In this cases, the Tesla’s cars are relevant to the global connections because they are safe and go faster and further. This will facilitate the movement of people making them to connect faster and further. The second theme is also relevant to the global connections (Gregersen,
The world of technology is ever changing and advancing. With the automotive industry in play technology is constantly surpassing what is available today with what can be done for tomorrow. Technology and the automotive industry go hand in hand with constant improvement to components of cars. Due to technology advancement there is competition within the car industry, especially between American car companies and European car companies. European car companies provide their buyers with innovative variety and revolutionary luxuries. European car technology is superior to American car technology due to their safety, entertainment, and luxury features.
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, shortly known as BMW, is a German manufacturer of luxurious automobiles and motorcycles. BMW group is not simply one name: it is also the parent company of other premium brands such as the MINI, the Rolls-Royce and the motorcycling company Husqvarna. For the purpose of providing a maximum of details, this essay will just focus on the automobile part of BMW as it is more significant than the motorcycle segment and since they have a lot of overlapping factors.
Audi is majorly owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen (VW) Group and is headquartered in Germany and operation in more than 100 countries. With the commitment the implement progressive technology and its technological ingenuity, by late 1990’s Audi became globally respected brand among luxury automakers. After its entry in luxury sector in early 1990’s, Audi leveraged its ingenuity and gained the competitive edge over the industry parameters of innovative design, safety and performance. Today, Audi remains focused on satisfying on customer needs by building a brand that exemplifies individuality, exclusivity and excellence.
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.
The global company Mercedes-Benz is considered one of the most successful and well-known automotive companies worldwide. Since 1886, the company’s founders Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz made history with the invention of the automobile, including the Daimler Group, which is one the biggest producers of premium cars and the world’s biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles globally (Daimler, 2013). Their main focus is innovation, safety, technology, style, brand image, expansion, and superior automobiles by offering the best of the best to consumers worldwide. The brand’s philosophy is to continuously create radically new products to advance the cause of human mobility. It is also the number one luxury brand in the United States and Germany while continuously expanding in China and Russia as well (Interbrand, 2013). Mercedes-Benz has a great selection on divisions such as cars, trucks, vans, buses, and financial services offered to any consumer or business. Their global reach has increased tremendously by including production facilities in 17 countries on five continents and having 93 locations worldwide. As a pioneer of automotive engineering, their strategy is to continue the same pioneer role with the ongoing development of mobility, especially in the areas of safety and sustainability (Daimler, 2013). It is very essential for the company to focus on consumers’ needs and their highly well known brand in a competitive global economy. That is why the company Mercedes-Benz releases a brand new model every year to stay on top of its competitors by improving previous models. Some strategies practiced are global marketing, global product development, global product pricing, global advertising, global distribution, an...
BMW- differentiation strategy, high price, breadth of product line is moderate, known for their cars being in the shop constantly and high maintenance bills.
Market Segmentation, Positioning and targeting for BMW 1.1 Introduction This report aims to examine the market segmentation, positioning and targeting of BMW (automobile company). BMW will be examined giving information about the company and where it is now and any recommendations that we feel are appropriate. 1.2 BMW Company Profile BMW was formed in 1917, from the merger of two small aero engine makers. Their famous blue and white symbol stems from the colours of the Bavarian Luftwaffe and is said to resemble the view of the one of their plane through a propeller. BMW is renowned for its sporty, sophisticated & luxury image which has been built up since the 1970's with many motor sport victories ranging from Touring Car to Formula 1.