Marketing Strategy Tesla
Marketing Strategy Tesla
Marketing Strategy Tesla
Executive Summary……………………………………………………02
List of tables
Table 01: PESTEL analysis………………………………………………………………….08
Table 02: Ansoff matrix…………………………………………………………………….10
List of figures
Figure 01: Tesla’s annual vehicle deliveries.........................................03
Figure 02: Tesla’s sales by car type……………………………………………………04
Figure 03: Tesla Semi-truck……………………………………………………………….04
Figure 04: Tesla’s stock prices……………………………………………………………06
Figure 05: Alternative position map………………………………………………….13
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Executive summary
Tesla Motors Inc. is Currently, a pioneer in the automobile industry specializing in the
design, development, manufacture, and selling of electric vehicles and energy storage
devices and products such as batteries. Tesla Motors was founded in the year 2003
and currently, it is operating in several countries including the United States, China,
Norway, and United Kingdom etc. This report will discuss current marketing
strategies used by Tesla Motors Inc. Along with the critical evaluation the
opportunities and problems facing the organization.
Also, this report will analyze alternative competitive positions and strategies for Tesla
Motors while recommending new marketing strategies including growth strategies
and promotions.
Tesla was formed in 2003 with the goal of producing high-end electric vehicles that
do not rely on fossil fuels for power. All of the electric automobiles on the market
paled in comparison to the performance of petrol or diesel engines, which was one of
the main reasons why, despite their long history, electric motor vehicles were not in
high demand. The creators of Tesla sought to expedite humanity's transition away
from fossil fuels and toward more sustainable energy sources in the face of mounting
worries about global warming and resource depletion. Tesla, Inc., the world's second-
largest electric car manufacturer, was founded as a result of this concept.
All-electric premium vehicles of Tesla have been able to won several design and
performance awards. One of the main attraction of Tesla’s vehicles is their all-electric
powerful engine. Other than that. Tesla’s vehicles have an unique futuristic looks and
self-driving features. All of these achieved following the company's co-founder Elon
Musk's ambition of making the world independent of fossil fuels in the future.
In 2010, Tesla became available in UK and Ireland market with their production of
right hand drive Roadster with the starting price of £86,950.
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Tesla’s environment is been kept in a optimum condition for their employees and it
was once named one of the best places to work, attracting young people with new
ideas and enthusiasm. The firm was also named "America's Best Employer 2019" by
Forbes.
In the second quarter of 2020, Tesla’s worldwide sales have been risen with the sales
of 90,650 cars for their customers. Due to that, their market capitalization of $208
billion has been able to surpass Toyota’s $202 market cap to become the world’s most
valuable automaker by market value.
Since 2010, Tesla was steadily conquering the electric vehicle market in the United
Kingdom. Although there are other electric car manufacturers available in UK, Tesla
have been able to capture about 18% of shares of UK’s electric vehicle market.
According to The Guardian, the first quater of 2021, there have been 39,900 Tesla
Model 3s in UK surpassing 38,900 Nissan Leafs and becoming the most popular
battery electric cars on UK roads.
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Figure 02: Tesla capturing UK market
4. Better Positioned
When it comes to the surviving upcoming economic stabilities, experts believe Tesla
has a greater chance than other UK automakers. As the fossil fuels-related industries
get threatened by the climate crisis, Tesla's sustainable policies give them a greater
advantage.
5. Innovative Company
One of the key strengths of Tesla is that it has a very high rate of innovation. For
example, the recent development of their semi-truck which is the world's first fully-
electric semi-truck and new sports car shows their potential for innovations. So, the
market is already showing signs of faith and trust in the company for generating
competitive and lucrative goods, which will, in turn, result in significant financial
benefits.
Tesla’s Weaknesses
In SWOT analysis, any internal factor which is more likely to cause damage or limit
the performance in a company is identified as its weakness. Following are some of the
weaknesses in Tesla's organizational structure that will damage or limit their business
growth.
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1. Manufacturing Complications
Due to Tesla’s higher level of innovations, there have been many complications in the
manufacturing process such as mechanical complexities. For example, there were a
number of occasions when Tesla was about to introduce a new item, their
manufacturing, production, and launching phases were constantly delayed.
Also regarding Tesla Model X, there were several issues. At first, there were
production delays and it resulted in delays in the distribution of model X. Also when
they were producing their battery model for Model X, they came across many issues
at Gigfctory 1.
There were some cases regarding the safety concerns of the employees at Tesla. They
have been fined for constructing a tent production line without having proper
permission for safety checks. Also at the time, the employees who were working
haven't been properly instructing the workers on safety concerns. So the workers had
been working constantly for too long resulting in breathing and other health problems
due to heat.(Atkins, 2021)
5. Leadership Wrangles
One of the common weaknesses which can be seen in many companies is managerial
conflicts. As there are frictional situations and conflicts occur between the board of
directors, that affects the company’s productivity and long-term success. As in many
other companies’ Tesla's management and board of directors also have been involved
in several power struggles.
Tesla’s Opportunities
The opportunity part of this SWOT Analysis highlights the company's potential for
development. Opportunities will assist Tesla in improving its company performance,
management structure, strategic growth, and other areas.
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renewable energy automotive, Tesla can increase their financial stabilities and strong
market in Asia.
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the skills and technology to produce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL)
vehicles.
Tesla’s Threats
The factors which will stop the company from optimizing its benefits to its full
potential are called the threats and there are some threats for Tesla to overcome to
maintain their business.
2. Extensive Competition
Tesla is currently facing some heated competition from other automobile
manufacturers with alternative fuel vehicles such s hybrid or electric. Some of
Tesla’s competitors are Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Lexus which are
considered luxury brands. Economic brands such as Toyota, Ford, Volvo, and
General Motors are also competing against Tesla in the field of automobiles.
3. Product Defects
Defects in products is a major issue for Tesla as there have been several occasions
their products being defects in manufacturing and design. Such situation is not
positive for the Tesla as they ruin the reputation of company.
According to Porter, there are five forces that can determine the market's competitive
intensity and attractiveness. Porter’s five forces is used to determine where power
lies in a business situation. (Porter’s Five Forces of Competitive Position Analysis,
2021)
With the different natures of the different industries, Porter’s five forces will change
for each other. There are some external variables affecting companies in the
worldwide automobile sector. Availability of raw materials and competition between
technology-based business are examples of them. And for Tesla's resilience, their
strategic success will be more important.
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Threat of new new entry (Weak Force)
New companies in the field are unable to compete with the long-established business
of Tesla.Tesla’s brand is currently at the top of the industry resulting in a high cost for
their band. Also, the popularity of Elson Musk affects their business as well.
When the cost is low for switching, customers are allowed to have alternative
methods such as public transportation. But there is a moderate number of alternatives
available to the customers. And their affection for customers is also a moderate one
as the public transportation is unable to be adaptable as a personal vehicle. The force
of substitutes against Tesla is limited as a result of this situation.
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Economic stability in many countries affects the financial
performance of that region for Tesla.
Social Medium The rising popularity of a low carbon lifestyle will affect
the market of Tesla.
2 Marketing strategy
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Also, according to Elon Musk, Tesla's competitive strategy aims to target both
premium and low-price consumers in the automobile industry. They use the approach
of broad differentiation for this. Tesla increases their research and development every
year to differentiate them from the other competitors by developing an innovative
ecosystem that enables them to have their productions on an economic scale.
Corporations face various challenges when moving towards the future. A growth
strategy is used to overcome such difficulties to achieve their growth objectives.
Growth objectives usually include increasing market share and revenue, acquiring
assets, and enhancing the organization's goods or services, etc.
One of the key theories related to growth strategy is the Ansoff matrix. It focuses on
the market and products and methods of utilizing each in order to have an advantage
in the growth of the company. It helps in cases such as market expansions and
diversifications.
Market penetration
Market penetration is one of Tesla's primary strategies. By expanding sales revenues
in present markets, this growth strategy allows for expansion in Tesla's business.As an
example, Tesla intends to focus on selling more automobiles in the United States
where they are currently operating. They intend to use aggressive marketing in order
to have a competitive edge. This strategy cooperate with their growth strategy of
increasing market share too. And by aggressive marketing, Tesla intends to increase
their sales revenue as well.
Product development
Product development is another growth strategy that Tesla is currently using. The
company expands through this strategy by focusing on the development of new
products that produce new revenues. This approach is implemented while producing
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new items using innovative technology that have a low environmental impact. A good
example of this is Tesla’s intentions in creating Tesla Roadster. According to Tesla,
they started selling solar panels with intention of creating the Roadster. It was the first
fully electric sports vehicle at the time so it attracted customers which are interested in
high-tech automobiles and related products. Also, they have introduced the world's
first fully-electric semi-truck. Tesla’s main objective of having such a strategy is to
have enough spending on research and developments.
Market development
Tesla uses market development as one of its growth strategies. Market development is
a territory based intensive growth approach used by Tesla, Inc. It use market
development for expanding into new markets to increase sales. As a result, Tesla is
currently expanding into a worldwide business. For example, by opening additional
offices and facilities across the world, Since the start of the company, Tesla in steadily
increased its market reach. As of now, Tesla operates in several countries including
European and Asian countries other than UK and USA. And their future plans include
more expansion of their market reach. That is supported by their vision and mission
which includes world dominance in the field of automobiles and energy solutions.
Tesla uses a comprehensive approach to achieve this goal. They include forming
partnerships and alliances with other firms in order to access new markets.
Diversification
Tesla Motors use diversification strategy as well. As a result they produce batteries,
solar panels, other energy related products apart from automobile but without majorly
affecting the company's financial statement. Tesla use product development and
market penetration approaches for their operation. Tesla’s goal of using
diversification is to expand and boost investment in R&D to identify new commercial
prospects (Rowland, 2018).
Alternative strategy
Since Tesla is more invested in tackling climate crisis and sustainability, one of the
alternative growth strategies they can follow are joint ventures and strategic
partnerships. As the industry is more converging towards sustainability and green
energy, Tesla can develop and provide green energy products for industries such as
smart farming, taxi companies, public transportation, etc. As they are currently
heavily dependent on fossil fuel-based energy systems, Tesla can achieve their
objective of sustainability while growing its market in more industries.
The newcomers in the electric car manufacturing industry, companies such as Honda,
Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Volkswagen, and Volvo are currently competing with Tesla.
Even though these companies are well established in the traditional automobile
market, they are yet to be established in products such as hybrid gasoline-electric
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vehicles and pure electric vehicle options. So Tesla has a good advantage in
manufacturing electric automobiles over traditional and newer companies in electric
vehicle manufacturing.
Tesla uses segmentation to dived the population into groups based on some
characteristics such as age, social status, etc. In targeting, Tesla chooses a specific
segment for selling products. Then it decides what type of device to be positioned on
the targeted consumer group.
Target market 1
Tesla’s first target market is considered wealthy, usually males (83.9%) and business
executives. Those selected are mostly between the ages of 45 and 64 and about 77.3
percent have a household income of 87,840 Euro (about $100 000). or more. That
group usually positioned in upper middle wealthy class in the society. They usually
see Tesla brand as a status symbol of their lifestyle and are less price sensitive.
They choose luxury premium cars that are quick, economical, and environmentally
friendly. (Tansel, 2021)
Target market 2
TM is target to sell their Model S and X with seven seats for families, which provide
enough space for several people. (Tesla Motors, 2014). These models are a good offer
for family vacations and holidays.
Positioning
Consequences of usage of fossil fuels and negative impacts for the environment is a
major concern in the present. Many environmental friendly groups despise the use of
fossil fuel based products. Tesla mainly aims on such groups in their mono
positioning strategy. But their products are usually too costly for normal people, first
they have been targeted rich and wealthy families using a mono segment positioning
strategy. But then Tesla moved on to multi segment positioning with the aim of
manufacturing low cost affordable electric automobiles.Elon Musk described Tesla's
business model in a blog post in 2006, that Tesla makes sports cars, then uses the
money to develop a more inexpensive vehicle, and then uses the money to build an
even more affordable car.
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Alternative positioning 1
In this category, Tesla can target farmers who have farming lands in areas where solar
power can be easily accessible and rural areas where grid electricity is not much
available. Also, farmers who are concerned about climate change and the
consequences of using fossil fuels can be targeted.
Alternative positioning 2
In this category, tesla can first target countries with positive policies on green energy
and then companies with eco-friendly policies in those countries for providing electric
motor cars for services such as taxis for luxury and semi-luxury rides.
Eco - Friendly
Tesla
Nissan
Cost
BMW Ford
As automobile manufacturers, companies such as BMW and Ford have somewhat low
costlier than Tesla, but their eco-friendliness is lacking when compared to Tesla. Also,
Nissan cars such as Nissan Leaf provide a somewhat low cost and eco-friendly
vehicle but when compared to technology, Tesla is still the top.
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3.1 Brand Equity
David Aaker, a marketing professional, created the Aaker model for brand equity as
a blueprint. It focuses on the importance of brand identification and provides unique
ways for establishing a powerful brand.
Brand association
Tesla mainly concerned with environment and green energy products, as they develop
more efficient electric automobiles. Tesla usually do not use brand ambassadors but
their products are used by many of the celebrities in the society.
Brand awareness
Tesla does not concern that much about the advertising department, as their main
advertising media has become the social media platforms. They connect with their
customers on much deeper levels through blogs, social media posts, etc., and use a
word-of-mouth method for brand awareness.
Brand loyalty
As Tesla emotionally connects with their consumers by developing eco-friendly
automobiles and helping to solve climate change, they keep transparency to increase
their brand loyalty.
Brand assets
Tesla specialized in the development of electric automobiles, solar panels, and energy
storage productions. Since it was founded in 2003, its total assets are recorded in 2020
as $52.2 billion. They own multiple factories such as the Giga factory as their
manufacturing plants.
Brand elements
As per Tesla's brand elements, they have taken their name, in the name of the famous
scientist and an electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. They use a stylish and modern T
letter to stand for the company name.
Because of the high material and R&D expenses, Tesla goods are designated in its
marketing mix as premium pricing. Costs of Tesla automobiles are as follows,
But a BMW I8 costs about £124,735 so Tesla intends to develop more automobiles
for lower prices while having an objective of powering the world by renewable
energy So Tesla have been able to manufacture Model 3 as an affordable car with
pricing beginning at under £40,490.
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Innovation and product design are the critical tools used by Tesla to effectively carry
out this element of the marketing mix. Their generic differentiation strategy helps
them with premium pricing due to the uniqueness of their products. The Solar City is
another approach by Tesla in order to have a market-oriented pricing approach for
their energy products such as solar panels and batteries.
As per digital marketing platforms, Tesla uses social media platforms for promoting
its products.
Instagram is the social media platform where Tesla has the most presence. This social
network accounts for 55 percent of total activity, with Twitter coming in second. The
scale and involvement in these two networks are enormous, especially Elon Musk's
presence in both.
The corporation itself publishes, maintains, and feeds all of the material. This means it
has a closer relationship with its customers and utilizes it as a forum for conversation
and debate.
Viral marketing is a main promotional tool used by Tesla to reach their target
audience. Tesla Model S was launched targeting kids and it was heavily promoted
through several social media platforms. Such cases help boost Tesla’s product mix in
a low cost and effective way.
To get the word out about the Model S, Tesla utilized a unique strategy: they gave an
test ride for the members of the press and then asked to write about it. Given that test-
driving a Tesla vehicle from a dealership requires a $5,000 deposit, this was a
fantastic deal for the journalists, who were able to put Tesla's claims about the vehicle
to the test.
When considering place or venue in the marketing mix for Tesla, They are using an
unique and effective way. Tesla has several places where its products are being sold.
Those places include Stores and Galleries owned by Tesla, Tesla service canters,
Charging stations, and also through the official website of Tesla. But in physical
places, customers only can inspect their products such as vehicles, batteries, solar
panels, etc. But to buy them, customers have to do sales and transaction process
through their official website. But when it comes to repairs and maintenance, Tesla’s
service centers are available to the customers.
4. Conclusion
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5. References
Statista. 2021. Tesla deliveries by quarter 2021 | Statista. [online] Available at:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/502208/tesla-quarterly-vehicle-
deliveries/#:~:text=Between%20April%20and%20June%202020,had%20seen%2095
%2C200%20deliveries%20worldwide. [Accessed 21 December 2021].
Atkins, B., 2021. Tesla's Leadership Challenge. [online] Forbes. Available at:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/betsyatkins/2019/02/25/tesla-is-imploding-
again/?sh=2f479fb868e1 [Accessed 21 December 2021].
Rowland, C. 2018. Tesla’s generic strategy and growth intensive strategy. [Online],
Available at: http://panmore.com/tesla-motors-inc-generic-strategy-intensive-growth-
strategies-analysis, [Accessed 21 December 2021].
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