Transcript of Mazda: Positioning a Product Line
Mazda:
Positioning a Product Line Styling Performance Reliability Value Mid '90's Expansion Program to Compete Directly
5 new models in less than one year
lack of focus
sales decreased by 33%; lowest level in 15 years
~positioned primarily on basis of value for money spent Background: Founded by Jujiro Matsuda
Began as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. in Japan in 1920
Moved from machine tools to vehicles
Changed company name to Mazda in 1984 1997: New President, James E. Miller, Takes Over
adverstising was focused on prices and features
little to none on image and product positioning New Marketing Strategy
-refocus and target younger generation
sporty features
desire to make statement about self with their car New Agency: W.B. Doner & Co. (aka Doner)
build an image of overall company personality
develop advertising theme used for entire Mazda brand "Get in. Be Moved."
simple, but powerful
established a brand promise Protege
First real challenge for Doner
Complete repositioning for 1999
- changed target market
now young, individualistic females from 20's to 30's Euro-chic styling Room for friends Reliability Cool features IMC Program -TV commercials
-Major push on Internet
~mailed CD-Rom to interested consumers
~developed P.O.P. cubes in dealer showrooms
~Sweepstakes to win free Protege Protege World
"World's Largest Online Automotive Launch Party"
-Protege Road Trip Internet Evaluation of IMC Protege Program
-Highly successful
-Sales increase by 33% in 4th quarter and 12% in 1999
-Created new image for Protege
-younger, hipper, more intelligent Not sold on 'Get in. Be moved.'
New group manager thought too passive and vague
Desire unified branding effort
Appeal to the "driving enthusiast in everyone" Zoom-Zoom Adults still in touch with inner child
Original tagline appears, but no longer emphasized
First used for introduction of the Tribute
Increased both brand and advertising awareness New Corporate Strategy '02 Protege 5 MAZDASPEED Protege
-Crossover
-Active lifestyle, car enthusiast
-Perfect 10 score in 'Fun to Drive' Category Protege 5
-High performance
-Advertising strategy
~added features to attract male buyers
~'Slamming' crowd MAZDASPEED Protege
"Most critical new product introduction" ('03)
-Advertising Strategy
~More mature; refined, sporty alternative
~Zoom-zoom used in less playful, more
confident way Mazda 6
-Heavy IMC Program
~Print media = 12% of budget
~Broadcast media - college and pro-football
=> MKTG deal with ESPN
~Extensive PR, Direct mail and Interactive media
-Named one of Car & Driver's 10 Best Cars in '03
-Overall sales decreased by 4.2%
~due to phasing out of old models
-Protege models' sales increased by 5.9% Evaluation of Strategy RX-8 -Return of rotary engine
-Very strong first few months of sales
-Product placement in TV shows and films
~X-Men 2
~BBC's Top Gear X-Men 2 Top Gear
-Focus on website
-Target market is still active lifestyle, younger, make time for fun
-New products advertised as "The Antidote to Ordinary" Where Mazda is now: Promotional Strategy for Mazda 6 Recommendations:
Continue with products that support brand image
Reinstate 'Zoom-zoom' in broadcast media
Website
New Products
Questions? 1. What gender was the Mazda Protege aimed at?
2. The Mazda Tribute was the ______ SUV to use the "Zoom-Zoom" campaign.
3. The Mazda Protege5 is a sport ________, unlike station wagons.
4.The MAZDASPEED Protege has made "slamming" an American phenomenon. True or False?
5. The Mazda 6 had a marketing deal with _______. Puzzle Questions:
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