The document discusses perspectives from nine industry experts on the state of the powersports industry. It summarizes their views on how the recession impacted sales, the role of higher gas prices, and what is needed for recovery. While the industry was hit hard by the economic downturn, experts believe that passions for powersports activities will help fuel a recovery, though full recovery may take several years. Ongoing challenges include higher fuel costs and attracting younger generations.
AutoSuccess addresses the specific, researched needs of new car and light truck dealerships by providing entrepreneurial, cutting-edge, solution-based editorials to increase dealership profits and reduce expenses
AutoSuccess, magazine, sales, new, used, selling, salespeople, vehicle, dealer, dealership, leadership, marketing
For similar content visit http://www.autosuccesssocial.com/
The document summarizes observations from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Key points include:
- There was strong optimism and excitement on the show floor about the future of the automotive industry. Many new concept cars were unveiled targeting younger buyers.
- OEMs like Ford, GM, and Toyota discussed their focus on new technologies like electric vehicles and hybrids, and goals to add thousands of new jobs in 2011.
- Issues discussed include the need to train new workers to meet skills demands, developing battery technologies, and restoring profits throughout the automotive industry supply chain.
The real estate industry may be reaching a termination point and is in need of rehabilitation to survive. Broker/owners are struggling financially and many real estate companies are barely surviving. The traditional business models of real estate firms are no longer effective in today's unstable economic environment. Younger consumers have different expectations and the definition of "real estate market" must be updated. National associations like NAR need to redirect resources to support broker/owners directly and help transform the industry. Local realtor associations also need retooling so they provide necessary services efficiently. Without decisive action, the real estate industry risks not surviving long-term changes facing the industry and economy.
While the commercial jet engine MRO market is forecast to grow over the next decade, its growth rate will lag behind that of the expanding global engine fleet. The market is becoming increasingly competitive as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) capture more of the aftermarket business. Additionally, newer engine technologies require less maintenance, engines are staying in service longer, and a surplus supply of used engines and parts has emerged, all of which make it challenging for independent MRO providers to compete against the large OEMs. To remain viable, independent MROs will likely need to develop niche capabilities and form closer partnerships with OEMs.
General Motors has a long history dating back to 1908. It is now a global company that develops, produces and markets cars, trucks and vehicle parts worldwide. One of GM's most promising new vehicles is the Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle with a small gas engine backup generator. The Volt has a lithium-ion battery that can power the car for 40 miles on a single charge. Then a gas generator kicks in to extend the car's range to over 600 miles. GM sees the Volt as a way to improve its brand image and gain market share in the growing electric vehicle market. It plans to gradually roll out the Volt in major US cities starting in 2010 to allow time to set up adequate
Harley-Davidson has faced declining sales in recent years, particularly among younger consumers and women. As a result, the company has launched a review of its global agency assignments to improve its marketing strategies and regain market share. Harley-Davidson hopes that making changes to its creative, digital, and media agencies will help the company better target key audiences and drive demand.
Green Automotive Company will exclusively import and distribute the all-electric Zotye SUV in North America. The company aims to capture 1% of the large North American vehicle market within the next few years by establishing a network of auto dealerships across major metro areas. The Zotye SUV offers a competitive price of $29,995, a range of up to 250 miles per charge, and addresses many issues that have hindered other electric vehicles. Green Automotive plans to leverage the experience of its auto industry veteran management team to implement an effective marketing strategy and grow sales.
Jill A. Badker has over 20 years of experience in office administration, customer service, and healthcare settings. Her resume highlights roles as a Ward Clerk, Patient Access Liaison, SPD Aide, Accountant Assistant, Office Support Specialist, and Cook. She has strong skills in Microsoft Office, accounting software, medical records systems, and communication. References are available upon request.
AutoSuccess addresses the specific, researched needs of new car and light truck dealerships by providing entrepreneurial, cutting-edge, solution-based editorials to increase dealership profits and reduce expenses
AutoSuccess, magazine, sales, new, used, selling, salespeople, vehicle, dealer, dealership, leadership, marketing
For similar content visit http://www.autosuccesssocial.com/
The document summarizes observations from the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Key points include:
- There was strong optimism and excitement on the show floor about the future of the automotive industry. Many new concept cars were unveiled targeting younger buyers.
- OEMs like Ford, GM, and Toyota discussed their focus on new technologies like electric vehicles and hybrids, and goals to add thousands of new jobs in 2011.
- Issues discussed include the need to train new workers to meet skills demands, developing battery technologies, and restoring profits throughout the automotive industry supply chain.
The real estate industry may be reaching a termination point and is in need of rehabilitation to survive. Broker/owners are struggling financially and many real estate companies are barely surviving. The traditional business models of real estate firms are no longer effective in today's unstable economic environment. Younger consumers have different expectations and the definition of "real estate market" must be updated. National associations like NAR need to redirect resources to support broker/owners directly and help transform the industry. Local realtor associations also need retooling so they provide necessary services efficiently. Without decisive action, the real estate industry risks not surviving long-term changes facing the industry and economy.
While the commercial jet engine MRO market is forecast to grow over the next decade, its growth rate will lag behind that of the expanding global engine fleet. The market is becoming increasingly competitive as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) capture more of the aftermarket business. Additionally, newer engine technologies require less maintenance, engines are staying in service longer, and a surplus supply of used engines and parts has emerged, all of which make it challenging for independent MRO providers to compete against the large OEMs. To remain viable, independent MROs will likely need to develop niche capabilities and form closer partnerships with OEMs.
General Motors has a long history dating back to 1908. It is now a global company that develops, produces and markets cars, trucks and vehicle parts worldwide. One of GM's most promising new vehicles is the Chevrolet Volt, an electric vehicle with a small gas engine backup generator. The Volt has a lithium-ion battery that can power the car for 40 miles on a single charge. Then a gas generator kicks in to extend the car's range to over 600 miles. GM sees the Volt as a way to improve its brand image and gain market share in the growing electric vehicle market. It plans to gradually roll out the Volt in major US cities starting in 2010 to allow time to set up adequate
Harley-Davidson has faced declining sales in recent years, particularly among younger consumers and women. As a result, the company has launched a review of its global agency assignments to improve its marketing strategies and regain market share. Harley-Davidson hopes that making changes to its creative, digital, and media agencies will help the company better target key audiences and drive demand.
Green Automotive Company will exclusively import and distribute the all-electric Zotye SUV in North America. The company aims to capture 1% of the large North American vehicle market within the next few years by establishing a network of auto dealerships across major metro areas. The Zotye SUV offers a competitive price of $29,995, a range of up to 250 miles per charge, and addresses many issues that have hindered other electric vehicles. Green Automotive plans to leverage the experience of its auto industry veteran management team to implement an effective marketing strategy and grow sales.
Jill A. Badker has over 20 years of experience in office administration, customer service, and healthcare settings. Her resume highlights roles as a Ward Clerk, Patient Access Liaison, SPD Aide, Accountant Assistant, Office Support Specialist, and Cook. She has strong skills in Microsoft Office, accounting software, medical records systems, and communication. References are available upon request.
Public Involvement and Participation Program CompletedSherri L. Jeffers
The Borough of Donora Public Involvement and Participation Program document outlines their plan to educate the public and encourage participation in stormwater management. The goals are to create stormwater awareness through community programs like litter cleanups and recycling, and to develop an MS4 mascot called the paddlefish to promote these efforts. The plan targets the town's 4,800 residents and includes adopting a tree box program, stenciling catch basins, and placing informational displays with the mascot at local parks and buildings. The ultimate goal is to improve stormwater quality in the Monongahela River and reduce pollution discharges from Donora's storm sewer system.
This document discusses trends in car paint technology and how they impact the car care industry. Paints are becoming harder and more durable, requiring product manufacturers to constantly reformulate car care products to keep up (paragraph 1). There is a wide variety of paint types and surfaces that each require specialized products for cleaning and protection (paragraph 2). Matte paint finishes are growing in popularity but present new challenges as products need to clean without introducing shine (paragraphs 3-5). The car care market has seen declines as paint technology improves but enthusiasts still demand new products (paragraphs 6-7). Manufacturers must stay abreast of trends and educate consumers on properly selecting and using car care products tailored to their specific vehicle's paint type and condition (
Foreign nationals require a valid passport and Indian visa to travel to India, except for nationals of Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. The Ministry of External Affairs issues Indian visas through Indian missions abroad. Visa fees are non-refundable and visas are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. Specific visa types exist for various purposes such as tourism, business, and visiting family. Tourist visas on arrival are available for citizens of 11 countries for a maximum 30-day stay.
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google that is based on the Linux kernel. Some key features of Android include a touchscreen interface with buttons for home, menu, back, and search. It uses widgets, home screens, and notification bars within its user interface. Android syncs with Google services like Gmail, Maps, and the Android Market (app store). The first Android phone was the HTC Dream, also known as the T-Mobile G1, which was released in 2008. Subsequent versions of Android added features like improved UIs, tablet support, and Adobe Flash integration.
- Specialized automotive aftermarket manufacturers like FOX Racing Shox, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, and Wilwood Engineering have expanded their customer base by supplying parts to the U.S. military, taking advantage of demand for off-road and high-performance parts.
- These companies supply parts like shocks, brakes, and seats that improve vehicle performance and safety in challenging military environments.
- Gaining military contracts requires products to be made in the U.S. and sometimes extensive testing, but working with military suppliers helps companies introduce their brands to new customers.
1) Successful project vehicle builds require careful planning and strong marketing partnerships between vehicle owners, parts manufacturers, and automakers.
2) Key factors for success include developing a cohesive theme, securing reputable manufacturing partners, and creating a detailed marketing plan that provides adequate exposure and measurable benefits for all participants.
3) Top builders emphasize the importance of effective social media promotion, regular communication with partners, and extending the vehicle's exposure beyond just the SEMA Show to maximize long-term marketing value.
Raising Voices - Global South Movement Building ReportSashi Leff
The document summarizes the process undertaken by Raising Voices to consult activists across the Global South on movement building to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG). Key aspects of the process included:
1. Extensive outreach and mapping to identify over 1200 activists and organizations working on VAWG in regions across the Global South.
2. Design and administration of an online global survey in 5 languages, receiving 204 responses, to understand the state of movement building and challenges faced by activists.
3. Conducting 68 in-depth interviews with activists to gain richer insights into their experiences and perspectives on movement building.
4. Emerging themes from the data centered on conceptualizations of movement building,
This document discusses four types of sentences: declarative sentences, imperative sentences, interrogative sentences, and exclamatory sentences. It also provides examples of different types of clauses and sentences, including simple sentences with independent clauses, complex sentences with dependent clauses, and compound sentences with multiple independent clauses. The examples are attributed to authors Maya Angelou, Vincent Van Gogh, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
See the Roland Berger Strategy Consultants (http://www.rolandberger.us/) 2014 study on The Next Challenge Of The US Auto Industry.
http://tinyurl.com/NPAutomotive
http://www.linkedin.com/in/TonyLy
https://www.facebook.com/MechanicalMarketer
The two-wheeler market in India has witnessed significant growth over the last decade due to increased demand in urban and semi-urban areas and relatively low cost of ownership. However, the industry now faces challenges such as rising fuel prices, stricter BS6 emission standards increasing costs, safety issues, high insurance rates, and a push for electric vehicles. Major players in the industry have urged the government to lower GST rates on two-wheelers from 28% to 18%, which could reduce prices by Rs. 8,000-10,000 per vehicle.
Go Kart Sales USA Article Motorcycle Product NewsJoel Martin
The document discusses the growing trend of go kart sales in the powersports industry. It outlines several reasons for the increasing popularity and sales of go karts, including their affordability as a family activity, the increasing engine sizes offering more power and applications, negative perceptions of ATV safety turning consumers to go karts, and the ease of upgrading and customizing go karts as a hobby. The document also reports growing dealership enthusiasm and support from suppliers for go kart sales, citing examples, and urges powersports dealers to recognize the trend and take advantage of the business opportunity in go kart sales and service.
General Motors (GM) is the world's largest automaker. It manufactures vehicles under brands such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Opel. GM entered India in 1928 and was the first automaker to set up an assembly plant. It produced early Chevrolet models that were popular among Maharajas and other elite. However, GM was forced to shut its India operations in 1953 when the government implemented socialist policies. The document discusses GM's global operations and history in India. It also analyzes the competitive landscape and provides recommendations to strengthen GM's position.
WHAT IS THE COX AUTOMOTIVE INSIGHT REPORT?
How will the new and used car markets perform during the rest of this year? What will become the future fuel of choice? What are the barriers as we drive towards Mobility as a Service (MaaS)?
In this first annual Insight Report from Cox Automotive and Grant Thornton, we go beyond the headlines to provide our view on the future of our market, and what it means for us all.
The past five years have been good to the auto industry. Following a cyclical downturn and a series of bankruptcies and harsh restructurings in the wake of the 2008–09 financial crisis, U.S. vehicle sales have been strong, especially for highly profitable trucks and SUVs. Globally, automobiles have grown more attractive than ever, with all kinds of exciting new technologies — impressive powertrain systems, mobile connectivity, advanced driver-assistance systems, maintenance monitoring, and the like — further exciting car buyers.
In the eyes of many in the industry, the future looks equally bright. Oil and gas prices appear likely to remain reasonably low for some time, encouraging big-margin SUV sales. The technology inside autos will continue to grow more sophisticated and affordable.
Automakers feel confident investing large sums of money in developing new features for their cars, particularly advanced safety and navigation options. Many suspect that they can make fully autonomous vehicles (AVs), machines that can drive themselves anywhere, under any traffic and weather conditions, without a human ever having to take the wheel, a reality within a relatively short time, as little as five or 10 years. That, in turn, would open huge new markets, it is hoped, as buyers — large fleets as well as individuals — flock to driverless vehicles and associated services.
There is much truth in the vision of fully autonomous vehicles. Certainly, there will come a time when commuters can relax, eat breakfast, and write emails on the way to work as their robotic taxis transport them on algorithmically chosen routes in perfect safety. But as the recent fatal crash of a Tesla in semi-autonomous mode sadly made clear, it will probably take decades, not years, for this vision to become a common reality.
This document summarizes key findings about automotive advertising spending in the United States from a report by Kantar Media. It finds that total US automotive ad spending hit $16.4 billion in 2013, the highest since 2007. Most of this spending is by car manufacturers, dealers, and dealer associations to sell vehicles. The amount spent per vehicle sold has remained relatively stable at around $1,000-$1,100 over the past decade. Advertising aims to convert the small portion of the population - around 4% - that is already considering buying a new vehicle, rather than create new demand. Growth in ad spending has tracked rising vehicle sales and been stimulated by the increasing number of new car models and redesigns introduced
The document discusses trends in the aftermarket industry in 2011. It notes that while economic conditions mirrored 2008 in some ways, consumer behavior differed as more consumers turned to do-it-for-me repairs out of necessity. The document reviews key economic indicators like GDP, miles driven, unemployment, and consumer credit that are impacting the aftermarket. It indicates that most factors are trending negative which has caused aftermarket sales to be lower than projected. It also discusses how consumers are keeping their vehicles longer, expanding the age range considered the "sweet spot" for aftermarket sales beyond 10 years old.
Automakers like GM, Ford and Chrysler have struggled with having too many dealerships, supporting over 15,000 dealers nationwide. This is expensive, costing the automakers over $400 extra per vehicle. Consolidating brands and closing underperforming dealerships could save billions. Successful examples like Mercedes reduced dealers in the 1990s from over 400 to 310, increasing average annual sales per dealership from 144 to over 600 and boosting overall sales and profits. Experts say the Detroit automakers need to aggressively cut their dealer networks by around 40% to improve sales and profits.
New Muscle Pumps Up Performance BusinessDavid Halpert
The document discusses the performance car market and how it has been affected by the recession. It notes that while the recession has caused some to tighten their wallets, the performance market has seen a resurgence in spring as enthusiasts look to modify their vehicles. New muscle cars like the Camaro have sparked interest among new and older enthusiasts. While trucks have lagged, classic muscle cars remain popular with older buyers willing to spend more. The document also discusses how suppliers are adapting to trends in the market.
This document provides a summary of a case study on General Motors from 2005. It discusses GM's losses in the first two quarters of 2005 due to issues in North America operations. To address this, GM adopted a strategy of offering employee discounts to boost sales by 47% and increase its market share. The document also provides overviews of GM's products, mission, vision, history, current situation, organizational structure, financial analysis, SWOT analysis, competitor analysis, and recommendations.
General Motors AnalysisGeneral Motors AnalysisTeam 7Li.docxhanneloremccaffery
This document provides an analysis of General Motors and the automobile manufacturing industry. It summarizes key details about GM's industry classification and SIC codes. It also analyzes the industry structure based on 10 items from an IBISWorld report, including that the industry is mature with moderate competition and barriers to entry. External drivers for the industry are discussed, along with current performance, outlook, supply chain, demand determinants, products/services, basis of competition, and major players. Toyota, GM, and Ford have the largest market shares, comprising about 45% total.
Public Involvement and Participation Program CompletedSherri L. Jeffers
The Borough of Donora Public Involvement and Participation Program document outlines their plan to educate the public and encourage participation in stormwater management. The goals are to create stormwater awareness through community programs like litter cleanups and recycling, and to develop an MS4 mascot called the paddlefish to promote these efforts. The plan targets the town's 4,800 residents and includes adopting a tree box program, stenciling catch basins, and placing informational displays with the mascot at local parks and buildings. The ultimate goal is to improve stormwater quality in the Monongahela River and reduce pollution discharges from Donora's storm sewer system.
This document discusses trends in car paint technology and how they impact the car care industry. Paints are becoming harder and more durable, requiring product manufacturers to constantly reformulate car care products to keep up (paragraph 1). There is a wide variety of paint types and surfaces that each require specialized products for cleaning and protection (paragraph 2). Matte paint finishes are growing in popularity but present new challenges as products need to clean without introducing shine (paragraphs 3-5). The car care market has seen declines as paint technology improves but enthusiasts still demand new products (paragraphs 6-7). Manufacturers must stay abreast of trends and educate consumers on properly selecting and using car care products tailored to their specific vehicle's paint type and condition (
Foreign nationals require a valid passport and Indian visa to travel to India, except for nationals of Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives. The Ministry of External Affairs issues Indian visas through Indian missions abroad. Visa fees are non-refundable and visas are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. Specific visa types exist for various purposes such as tourism, business, and visiting family. Tourist visas on arrival are available for citizens of 11 countries for a maximum 30-day stay.
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google that is based on the Linux kernel. Some key features of Android include a touchscreen interface with buttons for home, menu, back, and search. It uses widgets, home screens, and notification bars within its user interface. Android syncs with Google services like Gmail, Maps, and the Android Market (app store). The first Android phone was the HTC Dream, also known as the T-Mobile G1, which was released in 2008. Subsequent versions of Android added features like improved UIs, tablet support, and Adobe Flash integration.
- Specialized automotive aftermarket manufacturers like FOX Racing Shox, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, and Wilwood Engineering have expanded their customer base by supplying parts to the U.S. military, taking advantage of demand for off-road and high-performance parts.
- These companies supply parts like shocks, brakes, and seats that improve vehicle performance and safety in challenging military environments.
- Gaining military contracts requires products to be made in the U.S. and sometimes extensive testing, but working with military suppliers helps companies introduce their brands to new customers.
1) Successful project vehicle builds require careful planning and strong marketing partnerships between vehicle owners, parts manufacturers, and automakers.
2) Key factors for success include developing a cohesive theme, securing reputable manufacturing partners, and creating a detailed marketing plan that provides adequate exposure and measurable benefits for all participants.
3) Top builders emphasize the importance of effective social media promotion, regular communication with partners, and extending the vehicle's exposure beyond just the SEMA Show to maximize long-term marketing value.
Raising Voices - Global South Movement Building ReportSashi Leff
The document summarizes the process undertaken by Raising Voices to consult activists across the Global South on movement building to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG). Key aspects of the process included:
1. Extensive outreach and mapping to identify over 1200 activists and organizations working on VAWG in regions across the Global South.
2. Design and administration of an online global survey in 5 languages, receiving 204 responses, to understand the state of movement building and challenges faced by activists.
3. Conducting 68 in-depth interviews with activists to gain richer insights into their experiences and perspectives on movement building.
4. Emerging themes from the data centered on conceptualizations of movement building,
This document discusses four types of sentences: declarative sentences, imperative sentences, interrogative sentences, and exclamatory sentences. It also provides examples of different types of clauses and sentences, including simple sentences with independent clauses, complex sentences with dependent clauses, and compound sentences with multiple independent clauses. The examples are attributed to authors Maya Angelou, Vincent Van Gogh, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
See the Roland Berger Strategy Consultants (http://www.rolandberger.us/) 2014 study on The Next Challenge Of The US Auto Industry.
http://tinyurl.com/NPAutomotive
http://www.linkedin.com/in/TonyLy
https://www.facebook.com/MechanicalMarketer
The two-wheeler market in India has witnessed significant growth over the last decade due to increased demand in urban and semi-urban areas and relatively low cost of ownership. However, the industry now faces challenges such as rising fuel prices, stricter BS6 emission standards increasing costs, safety issues, high insurance rates, and a push for electric vehicles. Major players in the industry have urged the government to lower GST rates on two-wheelers from 28% to 18%, which could reduce prices by Rs. 8,000-10,000 per vehicle.
Go Kart Sales USA Article Motorcycle Product NewsJoel Martin
The document discusses the growing trend of go kart sales in the powersports industry. It outlines several reasons for the increasing popularity and sales of go karts, including their affordability as a family activity, the increasing engine sizes offering more power and applications, negative perceptions of ATV safety turning consumers to go karts, and the ease of upgrading and customizing go karts as a hobby. The document also reports growing dealership enthusiasm and support from suppliers for go kart sales, citing examples, and urges powersports dealers to recognize the trend and take advantage of the business opportunity in go kart sales and service.
General Motors (GM) is the world's largest automaker. It manufactures vehicles under brands such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Opel. GM entered India in 1928 and was the first automaker to set up an assembly plant. It produced early Chevrolet models that were popular among Maharajas and other elite. However, GM was forced to shut its India operations in 1953 when the government implemented socialist policies. The document discusses GM's global operations and history in India. It also analyzes the competitive landscape and provides recommendations to strengthen GM's position.
WHAT IS THE COX AUTOMOTIVE INSIGHT REPORT?
How will the new and used car markets perform during the rest of this year? What will become the future fuel of choice? What are the barriers as we drive towards Mobility as a Service (MaaS)?
In this first annual Insight Report from Cox Automotive and Grant Thornton, we go beyond the headlines to provide our view on the future of our market, and what it means for us all.
The past five years have been good to the auto industry. Following a cyclical downturn and a series of bankruptcies and harsh restructurings in the wake of the 2008–09 financial crisis, U.S. vehicle sales have been strong, especially for highly profitable trucks and SUVs. Globally, automobiles have grown more attractive than ever, with all kinds of exciting new technologies — impressive powertrain systems, mobile connectivity, advanced driver-assistance systems, maintenance monitoring, and the like — further exciting car buyers.
In the eyes of many in the industry, the future looks equally bright. Oil and gas prices appear likely to remain reasonably low for some time, encouraging big-margin SUV sales. The technology inside autos will continue to grow more sophisticated and affordable.
Automakers feel confident investing large sums of money in developing new features for their cars, particularly advanced safety and navigation options. Many suspect that they can make fully autonomous vehicles (AVs), machines that can drive themselves anywhere, under any traffic and weather conditions, without a human ever having to take the wheel, a reality within a relatively short time, as little as five or 10 years. That, in turn, would open huge new markets, it is hoped, as buyers — large fleets as well as individuals — flock to driverless vehicles and associated services.
There is much truth in the vision of fully autonomous vehicles. Certainly, there will come a time when commuters can relax, eat breakfast, and write emails on the way to work as their robotic taxis transport them on algorithmically chosen routes in perfect safety. But as the recent fatal crash of a Tesla in semi-autonomous mode sadly made clear, it will probably take decades, not years, for this vision to become a common reality.
This document summarizes key findings about automotive advertising spending in the United States from a report by Kantar Media. It finds that total US automotive ad spending hit $16.4 billion in 2013, the highest since 2007. Most of this spending is by car manufacturers, dealers, and dealer associations to sell vehicles. The amount spent per vehicle sold has remained relatively stable at around $1,000-$1,100 over the past decade. Advertising aims to convert the small portion of the population - around 4% - that is already considering buying a new vehicle, rather than create new demand. Growth in ad spending has tracked rising vehicle sales and been stimulated by the increasing number of new car models and redesigns introduced
The document discusses trends in the aftermarket industry in 2011. It notes that while economic conditions mirrored 2008 in some ways, consumer behavior differed as more consumers turned to do-it-for-me repairs out of necessity. The document reviews key economic indicators like GDP, miles driven, unemployment, and consumer credit that are impacting the aftermarket. It indicates that most factors are trending negative which has caused aftermarket sales to be lower than projected. It also discusses how consumers are keeping their vehicles longer, expanding the age range considered the "sweet spot" for aftermarket sales beyond 10 years old.
Automakers like GM, Ford and Chrysler have struggled with having too many dealerships, supporting over 15,000 dealers nationwide. This is expensive, costing the automakers over $400 extra per vehicle. Consolidating brands and closing underperforming dealerships could save billions. Successful examples like Mercedes reduced dealers in the 1990s from over 400 to 310, increasing average annual sales per dealership from 144 to over 600 and boosting overall sales and profits. Experts say the Detroit automakers need to aggressively cut their dealer networks by around 40% to improve sales and profits.
New Muscle Pumps Up Performance BusinessDavid Halpert
The document discusses the performance car market and how it has been affected by the recession. It notes that while the recession has caused some to tighten their wallets, the performance market has seen a resurgence in spring as enthusiasts look to modify their vehicles. New muscle cars like the Camaro have sparked interest among new and older enthusiasts. While trucks have lagged, classic muscle cars remain popular with older buyers willing to spend more. The document also discusses how suppliers are adapting to trends in the market.
This document provides a summary of a case study on General Motors from 2005. It discusses GM's losses in the first two quarters of 2005 due to issues in North America operations. To address this, GM adopted a strategy of offering employee discounts to boost sales by 47% and increase its market share. The document also provides overviews of GM's products, mission, vision, history, current situation, organizational structure, financial analysis, SWOT analysis, competitor analysis, and recommendations.
General Motors AnalysisGeneral Motors AnalysisTeam 7Li.docxhanneloremccaffery
This document provides an analysis of General Motors and the automobile manufacturing industry. It summarizes key details about GM's industry classification and SIC codes. It also analyzes the industry structure based on 10 items from an IBISWorld report, including that the industry is mature with moderate competition and barriers to entry. External drivers for the industry are discussed, along with current performance, outlook, supply chain, demand determinants, products/services, basis of competition, and major players. Toyota, GM, and Ford have the largest market shares, comprising about 45% total.
R k Raushan- Marketing Mix of Automobile sector with special referrence to SK...Rakesh Kumar Raushan
The document provides an overview of the automobile sector in India and includes a project report on the marketing mix of Skoda Auto in India. Specifically, it discusses the following:
1. The automobile industry in India is a major economic driver and includes segments like two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and three-wheelers. Leading players like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors operate across different segments.
2. The report focuses on Skoda Auto India, which has been operating in India for over a decade. It provides details on Skoda's history, current product lineup, marketing strategies, and SWOT analysis.
3. The marketing mix analysis covers Sk
The document discusses how PCP (personal contract purchase) financing has become the dominant method for new vehicle sales in the UK, but faces risks from changing economic conditions. It notes that while PCP has benefited manufacturers, dealers, and customers, over-reliance on it could create problems in an economic downturn when used vehicle prices and consumer confidence decline. The document outlines impacts and responses manufacturers, dealers, and customers may face in a downturn scenario and concludes that while PCP will remain important, the industry will need to diversify financing options and set more conservative resale values to reduce exposure to changing market conditions.
Mercer Capital's Value Focus: Auto Dealer Industry | Year-End 2018Mercer Capital
Mercer Capital's Auto Dealer Industry newsletter provides perspective on valuation issues. Each newsletter also includes macroeconomic trends, industry trends, and guideline public company metrics.
Mercer Capital's Value Focus: Auto Dealer Industry | Year-End 2018
powersports
1. 50 SEMANewsSeptember2011
BUSINESSSEMA
ByChadSimon
Powering Through
Turbulent Times
Industry Experts Discuss the Passion
Fueling the Powersports Recovery
The powersports market is very much a lifestyle, and enthusiasts just
love to play with their toys. Comprised of several different niches, this
market took a big hit over the past few years, mostly due to a fractured
economy and escalating gas prices. The good news is that the economy
seems to be rebounding, albeit slowly, and businesses and enthusiasts
alike are withstanding the challenges through a mutual passion for the
machines that make up this fascinating industry segment.
If you were to ask nine different power-
sports experts about their perspectives
regarding the current state of the industry
and where it’s headed, chances are you’d
get nine different answers. Well, that’s
just what we did. Our interviews with
nine major industry players from various
niches uncovered many issues, including
how the recession impacted their busi-
nesses, how their customers are coping
with higher fuel prices and what must
be done to ensure the survival of not
only their own businesses, but also this
whole important market.
American Honda
Motor Co. Inc.
The powersports industry is finally level-
ing off, reported Bill Savino, manager of
motorcycle press for Torrance, California-
based American Honda Motor Co. Inc.
Honda experienced a couple years of hard
economic times, but things finally seem to
be stabilizing, and Savino expects further
improvements with the availability of two
new products—the CBR250R entry-level
motorcycle and CB1000R naked sport bike.
Further complicating an economic
recovery are fuel prices, which are on every-
one’s mind lately. When fuel prices spike,
sales of motorcycles under 750 cc also seem
to increase, which is why Honda rolled out
the 110-mpg PCX 110cc scooter last year.
“We had 14 years of straight industry
growth, and when the recession hit, we saw
a couple years of definite decline,” Savino
said. “The positive is that we cleaned up
our inventory and are now up-to-date with
our current inventory. We’re in a good
position as the industry starts to respond
and improve going forward. Business is
starting to pick up, though, it’s nowhere
near what it was a few years ago. We’re
not seeing double-digit declines anymore,
which makes it easier to plan.”
Yamaha Motor Corp.
The personal watercraft industry is
rebounding, with demand up 20% com-
pared to last year, reported Mark Speaks,
president of Kennesaw, Georgia-based
Yamaha Motor Corp.’s watercraft group,
which mostly features Wave Runners.
With a median age of about 47, the
enthusiasts in this market are a little older
than in other powersports markets, and
most buyers are married men with two
children and a household income of well
over $100,000.
During the recession, demand for per-
sonal watercraft was off by 40%. Speaks
expects sales to eventually return to pre-
recession levels, but it’s anyone’s guess as
to how many years that may take. He does
not believe that higher gas prices have had
much of an effect on business.
n The majority of motorcycles purchased
in the United States are used primarily for
recreational purposes.
2. 52 SEMANewsSeptember2011
SEMAn BUSINESS
“This is not the first time we’ve seen $4
gasoline, and it doesn’t seem to have the
same impact as it did back in 2008 when we
first saw it,” Speaks said. “However, if gas
prices were to hit $5 per gallon, we would
see a significant loss of sales. Rising fuel
prices are a complicated issue when it comes
to personal watercraft, because many of
our customers also own boats, and we find
that as gas prices go up, it can actually have
a positive impact on sales. People put off
purchasing a bigger boat to buy a personal
watercraft because they are much more fuel-
efficient, but once prices go past their toler-
ance level, then we see a negative effect.”
Since the onset of the recession, Yamaha
has experienced an increase in the portion
of value-oriented product sales. In addition
to value, customers seem to want the right
combination of style, reliability and perfor-
mance, which are the key drivers.
“Going forward, we must ensure that
we’re maximizing value for our customers,”
Speaks said. “The greatest risk to our indus-
try is that prices inflate on our products to
the point where we price more customers
out of the market. We don’t have any cus-
tomers to spare, so it’s important that we
manage prices carefully.”
BMF Wheels
The powersports industry is repairing
itself, much like other parts of the automo-
tive aftermarket, according to Brock Weld,
president/owner of Orange, California-
based BMF Wheels, which specializes in
custom wheels for trucks, side-by-sides and
UTVs. Catering mostly to men ages 14–50,
Weld said his customers are usually truck
owners who identify with the countercul-
ture. They aren’t into compact, eco-friendly
cars; they just want to drive what they want,
whether it’s on the street or off-road. The
whole side-by-side custom wheel started as
a side project and took off, which surprised
Weld because his core business revolves
around custom truck wheels.
“Virtually everyone who owns a side-by-
side or UTV also owns a lifted or leveled
truck, so it seemed like a good extension for
us,” he said.
Weld believes that consumers may have
taken a break but never lost interest in the
hobby. Motorcycles have especially taken a
hit over the past few years but the power-
sports market has grown significantly as a
whole over the past year, though it hasn’t
fully recovered.
“It got so big so quick that a lot of people
started to say, ‘I don’t really care about
motorcycles that much,’ which is why it will
never recover to the stature it once was,” he
said. “Powersports is different because it’s a
lifestyle. It’s going to come back and con-
tinue to grow.”
Gas prices are definitely a factor, but
Weld believes that they only cause people to
postpone their purchases, not give them up
entirely. Consumers, he says, are not going
to spontaneously start driving an economy
car when their heart and soul is with a lifted
truck. They might have to wait or buy a
used lifted truck, but they’re going to find a
way to make it happen one way or another.
n Some of the latest industry trends for ATVs, UTVs, trucks and buggies include LED lights.
Bring in the Youth
Looking ahead, Weld sees a large gap
between the older and newer generations
in the custom wheel industry and believes
that it’s critical to lure younger buyers. He
also believes that some powersports suppli-
ers don’t necessarily understand some of the
tools available to them, such as social media
and other forms of communication technol-
ogy geared toward the younger generation.
Another method of survival is to exhibit
at the SEMA Show, which Weld does
annually. “I wouldn’t be where I’m at
today if I didn’t display at the Show,” he
said. “Especially for a guy like me, where
I’m trying to break into a new market,
such as powersports. Having that section
available opens up a whole new realm
of dealers and distributors that normally
I wouldn’t talk to.”
Baja Designs
The powersports industry is a challeng-
ing one, according to Deanne Moore, Baja
Designs’ CEO. Based in San Marcos, Cal-
ifornia, the company provides high-end
auxiliary lighting for motorcycles, ATVs,
UTVs, trucks, buggies and military vehicles.
“The Big Four manufacturers [Honda,
Kawasaki, Yamaha and Suzuki] were off by
50%–60% in off-road vehicle sales, and that
just filters down to the rest of us,” Moore
said. “The sand market is probably off about
70%–80%. As a whole, I would say the
entire industry is off about 50%.”
Males between 35 and 50 years of age
are Baja’s target demographic, and they
look for performance and value first when
evaluating product. According to Moore,
the latest industry trends include LED lights
and, unfortunately, Chinese knock-offs. To
combat the knock-offs, Baja has to con-
stantly innovate.
“Looking forward, one of the biggest
threats to our industry is regulation, such
as land-use issues, which affects our ability
to be enthusiasts and also could kill our
industry,” Moore said.
Gart Sutton & Associates
The powersports industry has suffered a
long stretch of downturn, but the past few
months have finally been positive, accord-
ing to Mike Brunken, general manager for
Gart Sutton & Associates, a provider of
motorcycle 20 Clubs, which offer clients a
blend of training opportunities, resources
and business operations support.
3. 54 SEMANewsSeptember2011
SEMAn BUSINESS
Powersports has been hit harder by the
recession than most businesses, reported
Brunken. When discretionary spending is
unavailable, the motorcycles that people have
always wanted drop from first or second on
their wish list to seventh or eighth. Higher
fuel prices always help motorcycle and scooter
sales, especially street bikes, but not off-road
vehicles, such as ATVs and motocross bikes.
“Many dealers are also getting into used
motorcycles,” Brunken said. “OEMs are short
on production due to the tsunami in Japan
earlier this year. A lot of our dealers are con-
cerned about their inventory levels, so there’s
a big push to get into the used market with
a lot of low-cc street bikes being sold now.”
Providing great customer service is critical,
and that’s what businesses in this industry
must do to gain an edge over their competi-
tors. Brunken suggests following up with cus-
tomers to ensure that you’re their place to go
to get powersports products.
NADA Appraisal Guides
The powersports industry is driven by sup-
ply and demand, and it is similar to the auto-
motive industry in some respects, said Lenny
Sims, vice president of operations for Costa
Mesa-California-based NADA Appraisal
Guides, which provide used-motorcycle valu-
ations. There is currently a large demand for
used bikes, which drives dealers to auctions so
that they can put inventory on their lots. Sports
n Though color matching has become
increasingly popular, carbon-fiber black-
ened machined wheels for side-by-sides
and UTVs are still strong sellers.
bikesaleshaveincreased3%–6%over
the last quarter; side-by-sides,
ATVs and cruisers are hold-
ing steady; and dirt bikes are
down 3%–5%, according
to Sims.
In late 2009 and early
2010, the powersports
segment was hit par-
ticularly hard, but the
good news is that Q4 of
2010 and Q1 of 2011
showed steady increases,
including a 7% increase
in Q1 of 2011, which
was the first quarterly mar-
ket increase in a couple years,
reported Sims. However, drivers
still have to contend with higher fuel
prices, which are sending some into motor-
cycle dealerships. It happened in 2008, as well,
which led to an increase in sales of scooters and
road bikes that can get 35–45 mpg.
Purchasing Factors
Because the market is divided into various
segments, consumers are motivated by differ-
ent purchasing factors.
“For instance, V-Twin enthusiasts want
comfort, performance and fuel economy,”
Sims said. “Some bikes offer affordable alterna-
tives for power, comfort, technology and per-
formance, while others may be more expensive
and not have the same features. But those folks
aren’t looking for the same thing. At the end of
the day, it all comes down to value.”
MARSHALL MOTOART LLC
Despite a sluggish economy, it’s business
as usual at West Haven, Utah-based MAR-
SHALL MOTOART LLC, which specializes
in aftermarket accessories for the POLARIS
Ranger and RZR and in custom side-by-sides
using existing powertrain components. As
a partner to POLARIS Industries, MAR-
SHALL MOTOART’s 5.5 Cage Kit for the
crew and midsize POLARIS Ranger allows
three more people to ride—two with full
legroom—in a safer fashion. New this past
summer was a full line of RZR accessories,
particularly the Gull Wing Doors and Stinger
Bumper. The side-by-side and UTV busi-
ness is family-oriented; from kids 16–18 to
baby boomers, but the main demographic is
males 30–60.
Another way consumers are saving money
is by downsizing their equipment, said Chris
Burke, MARSHALL MOTOART president.
“Because of the recession, a lot of guys
used to have a Jeep and a boat. Now they are
looking for one vehicle that they can do a lot
of different activities with, and that’s where
the side-by-sides are awesome,” said Burke.
“You can take them to the dunes, you can
take them to the rocks, and some states, such
as Arizona, have made them street-legal, so
you can buzz down the road in them. In some
ways, the recession has helped our business
because people are now looking to do more
with less.”
Side-by-sides are also popular because they
take up less space in the trailer, use less
fuel, cost less to insure and are cheaper to
run and maintain. During the recession,
MARSHALL MOTOART experienced just
a slight dip in sales.
“We weren’t selling the big, wild machines
that we used to sell,” Burke said. “Now it’s
more of the bolt-on accessories and guys
doing just one thing here and there versus
just dropping off a machine and saying, ‘This
is what I want.’ You have to adapt and be
flexible and just roll with the punches. We
used to build high-end sand rails, but if I
was just doing that at this point, I’d be out
of business.”
Quality is the most important factor for
consumers when making a purchasing deci-
sion. “We’re not the cheapest company,
largely due to in-house designing and manu-
facturing,” Burke said. “We offer good value
for what you buy, but our main thing is qual-
ity and customer service. Five years ago, the
n Amsoil Quickshot won the award for Best
New Powersports Product in last year’s
SEMA Show New Products Showcase.
4. 56 SEMANewsSeptember2011
SEMAn BUSINESS
industry was flooded with everyone and their
brother building something. There was a lot
of junk out there. The recession took down
some of the big guys that were good, but it
also got rid of some of the guys who shouldn’t
have been doing it in the first place.”
Listen to Your Customers
To ensure your business’ survival, Burke
suggests listening to what customers want,
what their issues are, and what they’re look-
ing for, and not just doing what you think
is cool. Offer suggestions, though, because
sometimes people don’t know what is best
for their use and design until you show them.
When people have problems and machines
have certain flaws, address those issues. In
this business, customer service is the key.
Also, exhibiting at the SEMA Show last
year for the first time enabled Burke to make
several new contacts he wouldn’t have made
otherwise. “The Show gave us great exposure
and credibility,” he said. “When people hear
that you’ve done the SEMA Show, they
know you’re a serious player in the game. We
had a positive experience, and we’ll probably
double our booth size this year.”
KTM North America
The overall motorcycle business is 65%–
70% less than it was at its peak in 2008,
according to Jon-Erik Burleson, president
of Murrieta, California-based KTM North
America, which is the largest European
motorcycle manufacturer doing business in
the United States. The company specializes
in off-road bikes and is a developing brand in
the travel and sport street segments. Burleson
said that the industry is bottoming out but
n When fuel prices spike, sales of motorcycles under 750 cc also increase.
that there are growth opportunities in some
segments, especially lower-cc bikes, though
performance and luxury segments are still
having some tough times.
“The businesses we know and talk with
have figured out how to make a living at
this level, but times are still pretty tight,”
Burleson said. “I don’t think we’re going to
see any material increases in the next three
years because motorcycles have not devel-
oped as a solid transportation choice among
consumers. We’re getting there, but still, the
majority of motorcycles sold in this country
are used for entertainment or as a secondary
leisure vehicle.”
KTM is doing some R&D with elec-
tric motorcycles. According to Burleson,
the technology is already there and priced
competitively. Unfortunately, the technol-
ogy for batteries is not. Batteries seem to be
about half the cost of the vehicle, and there
are a number of issues with range and how
battery performance affects the performance
of the bike at the end of the charge cycle.
Burleson estimates that the technology is
about 5–10 years to being fully accepted in
the U.S. market as a viable option for the
broad motorcycle consumer base.
Burleson believes that most sales increases
will be on the transportation side due to
more commuters coming out of cars and
into motorcycles for economic reasons. The
U.S. motorcycle business has two funda-
mental issues behind it. The first is that they
are a luxury item, unlike in other countries,
such as Brazil and India, where they are
the primary source of transportation. Sec-
ondly, the average customer is getting older
and, with Harley-Davidson capturing such
a large piece of the pie, demographics come
into play.
“From a KTM perspective, we’re always
looking to see where the young kids are
coming into the business, because overall,
we have an aging demographic that’s not
being replaced by the younger generation
as the older people are stepping out or even
sideways into other types of entertainment
that are the next step after a motorcycle,”
Burleson said.
Amsoil
The powersports industry is on the
rebound, said Len Groom, technical prod-
uct manager of powersports for Amsoil, a
Superior, Wisconsin-based provider of high-
quality lubrication products. However, con-
sumers are still not buying as much new
equipment. But there’s a flipside for Amsoil.
People are keeping their equipment longer,
so they’re spending more money on main-
taining their current equipment and trying
to get the most life possible.
“To do that, they need an oil that will
provide protection,” Groom said. “A lot of
times people will say, ‘As long as it makes
it until the end of the warranty, I really
don’t care.’ This is changing drastically. Now
they’re saying, ‘I just spent $15,000 on this
Harley, and I want to make it last; tell me
how to do that.’ So while the industry itself is
down, our side of it, in certain areas, seems to
be up.”
According to Groom, the industry is
currently experiencing an age-group shift.
Amsoil owns a large chunk of the baby-
boomer market, and the company’s Har-
ley-Davidson oil sales reflect that. Harley
owners are still buying, but they’re retiring,
so the spotlight should move to Gen-Y. The
number of riders in the 20–34 age group
is increasing, and they communicate in a
completely different way. Target them using
various channels, such as social media and
through sponsorships and advertising.
“Don’t get stuck in a rut by catering
to only the baby boomers,” Groom said.
“Look at who’s coming up; start market-
ing toward the Gen-Y’ers and the grow-
ing female demographic. Don’t forget your
roots, but branch out. If a company can
do that, they’re going to grow. We’ve had
double-digit growth for the past several years.
Look at the market and provide not only for
the application, but also for who is using the
stuff. Keep an open mind and change with
the times.”