Nissan Marketing Plan
Nissan Marketing Plan
Nissan Marketing Plan
This document discusses the marketing strategies, problems and solutions for a selected company and its new product being launched. The company discussed in this document is Nissan India Limited working in India; in collaboration with Nissan Motor Co. Japan. Nissan is launching a new car with name of Nissan next and this document provide an efficient and workable marketing plan for the product. In India automobile industry is growing at a rapid pace. The demand for cars in India over time has increased a lot due to growth of economy and stability of people economic condition. This has attracted a number of producers towards the market. Nissan along with other producers like Toyota, Suzuki and Honda etc. is a player in the automobile market. Now Nissan has planned to launch a new car with significant innovations and steps towards improvements. For the success of the car in industry a deep study and research has been undertaken to develop an effective and efficient plan. Some of the important areas covered in this document while developing a Marketing Plan for the selected company are: Discussion of the Industry Analysis of companys position Marketing objectives Promotions strategies Pricing strategies Product strategies Distribution strategies.
Furthermore, action plan lays out successful implementation through monitoring has also been included.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...........................................................................1 Table of Contents...................................................................3 1.0. Automobile Industry Overview .........................................6 1.1. Global Industry for Automobile.......................................................................6 1.2. Automobile Industry Overview of India...........................................................6 2.0. Nissan: History.................................................................7 2.1. Introduction...................................................................................................7 2.2. Nissans Vision...............................................................................................8 2.3. Nissans Mission.............................................................................................8 3.0. Nissan next: Marketing Environment.................................8 3.1. Micro Environment.........................................................................................8 3.1.1. Consumers...............................................................................................8 3.1.2. Competitors.............................................................................................9 3.1.3. Intermediaries..........................................................................................9 3.1.4. Publics.....................................................................................................9 3.2. Macro Environment........................................................................................9 3.2.1. Demographic Environment......................................................................9 3.2.1.1. Education...........................................................................................9 3.2.1.2. Population.......................................................................................10 3.2.2 Economic Environment...........................................................................10 3.2.3. Technological Environment....................................................................10 4.0. Nissan next: Product Evaluation......................................11 4.1. Core, Actual and Augmented Product...........................................................11
4.2. Consumer or Industrial Product?..................................................................11 4.3. Convenience, Shopping, Special or Unsought Product..................................11 4.4. Product Uses and Consumer Acceptance.....................................................12 4.5. Distribution Wide Spread or Not?...............................................................12 4.6. SWOT Analysis.............................................................................................12 4.6.1. Strengths...............................................................................................12 4.6.2. Weaknesses...........................................................................................12 4.6.3. Opportunities.........................................................................................13 4.6.4. Threats..................................................................................................13 5.0 Consumer Evaluation.......................................................13 5.1 Type of Purchase Decision ...........................................................................13 5.2 Consumption consumer response...............................................................13 5.3 Quality, Comfort & Safety.............................................................................14 5.4 Customer Awareness and Brand Switching...................................................14 5.5 Brand Prospects -- Location and Influence ....................................................14 6.0 Competitor Analysis........................................................16 6.1 Pricing...........................................................................................................16 6.2 Promotion.....................................................................................................16 6.3 Distribution...................................................................................................16 6.4 Future Competitors and Replacement Products............................................16 7.0 Marketing Objectives.......................................................18 Goals and Objectives..........................................................................................18 8.0 Marketing Strategies.......................................................19 8.1 Target Market...............................................................................................19 8.2 Nissan next Target Market: Geographic Segment.........................................19 8.3 Nissan next Target Market: Psychographics..................................................19
8.4 Nissan next Target Market: Demographics....................................................20 9.0 Marketing Mix Strategies.................................................21 9.1 Product Strategies.........................................................................................21 9.1.1 Packaging...............................................................................................21 9.1.2 Labeling..................................................................................................22 9.1.3 Product Line............................................................................................23 9.2 Pricing Strategies..........................................................................................23 9.3 Distribution Strategies..................................................................................23 9.4 Promotion Strategies.....................................................................................24 9.4.1 Environment Research............................................................................24 9.4.2 Advertising..............................................................................................25 9.5 Positioning Strategy......................................................................................25 9.6 Action Plan....................................................................................................25 10.0 Evaluation, Monitoring and Control.................................27 11.0 Budget..........................................................................28 11.1 Market Analysis Cost...................................................................................28 11.2 Questionnaire Cost......................................................................................28 11.3 Advertising and promotional cost................................................................29 11.3.1 Advertising cost....................................................................................29 11.3.2 Promos Cost..........................................................................................29 11.2.3 Sponsorships.........................................................................................29 12.0 Bibliography..................................................................30 Car Dealers Survey Summary.................................................32 KBC.....................................................................................................................32 MUST CARS.........................................................................................................32 CAR MAX.............................................................................................................32
automobiles in use today in India is 5 million. About two-third of the market demand is being met currently by local production and imports from other countries and one-third is left unmet. So there is a huge gap in market demand and supply which is still there to be met. Major producers currently in the market are Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai. The government is also supporting the investors to invest in India this has attracted more producers of cars to come in India and grasp market share from India automobile market.
In India Nissan has following major cars already in market : Nissan Sunny Nissan Teana Nissan Micra Nissan X-Trail Nissan 370Z
Lives.
The significance of this is that Nissan aims to participate in the development and progress of society through its business activities worldwide. This is only achieved through set of objectives that needs to be focused and better implemented through effectiveness and efficiency.
3.1.2. COMPETITORS
With strong economic growth and government relaxation on taxes, several companies are emerging to establish their market position. Nissan next stands a good chance of competing with existing competitors as several of Nissan products are already in the market. Nissan will position the new product with features such attractive look-n-feel. Direct - competitors are Toyota and Suzuki which have substantial market share.
3.1.3. INTERMEDIARIES
Nissan will adopt both distribution channels, direct and indirect. Intermediaries (i.e authorized dealers of Nissan) are important, since indirect distribution of its product is carried out through them. This will help to further enhance the reach-ability of the car.
3.1.4. PUBLICS
Publics are the general public who are involved in the reputation of Nissan and its products. Nissan has to provide several strategic approaches in order to stand out with the public opinions. Any critics against Nissan would impact the sales and repute. With such diverse culture, consumers are highly deterred with public opinions. This very thin line, the public offers, can effect production, distribution and diversification of Nissan. Nissan will have to stand out in their primary objective and not loose that position.
3.2.1.2. Population
Population of India is increasing at rapid pace and has touched the figures of 1.21 billion in year 2011. This increase in population has also increased the number of buyers and expanded the market of automobiles. Requirement of more automobiles has grown. Automobile industry has also responded to this scenario. But there is still a huge gap between people demand and supply of cars. Nissan focuses on this gap and is trying to avail this opportunity to its best.
4.6.2. WEAKNESSES
Following are some of the weaknesses of the Product and company: Currently Nissan has low share in market. Nissan next is currently being launched in two varieties only. Nissan has small distribution network currently.
4.6.3. OPPORTUNITIES
Following are some of the opportunities which Nissan can avail in future to increase its market share: Increased awareness of people. Improved economic condition of people. Increased population/consumption Increased media influence on people. Increased market demand.
4.6.4. THREATS
Following are some of the threats which may be faced in the future: High competition in the market. New Entrants can also add to the competition. Presence of other brands in the market and their infrastructure.
increases. As competition is on the rise so public is more informed about cars. They are more conscious about the safety and economic features of the car. This awareness and consciousness is increasing the buying and there is already a gap in market so production of Nissan next will be tremendous.
6.1 PRICING
As making cars more affordable is the major objective of launching this car therefore the prices of this car are kept lower than that of all the current competitors in the market. This will help grasping larger market share and compete well in market. CNG plus AC car will be available at Rs. 3, 50,000 only. Only AC car will be available at Rs. 3, 15,000 only.
6.2 PROMOTION
Major competitors of Nissan next like Toyota and Suzuki; are spending huge revenue on promotion of their brand and products. Nissan will also make extensive effort and heavy investment on creating awareness about Nissan next in market. Promotion of Nissan next will be done at nation wide scale as Nissan aims at targeting all major areas of country. Although their Brand Ambassador is Indian Rockstar Ranbhir kapoor.
6.3 DISTRIBUTION
Nissan has currently distribution setup in the major divisional headquarters only but the competitors specially; Toyota and Suzuki has a wider network. There presence in more areas than Nissan is giving tough competition to Nissan. For Nissan next , Nissan india Limited will come up with a new strategy of distribution to reach all those areas where there they are not currently present.
producing small cars in India. Therefore a step of producing small cars by Honda can give tough time to Nissan next. Nissan should develop strategy to cope with the situation if Honda also jumps into the market with small cars for consumers.
product focusing on three important parameters of economy, safety and comfort to compete the major competitors in the market i.e. Maruti Suzuki,Toyota and others.
9.1.1 PACKAGING
Nissan next will be built on one standard size. It will be available in both color types i.e. Metallic and Non-Metallic. The color range will be 5 major colors red, white, black, blue and green with capacity to increase other colors on demand. The design of the car will be smooth and catchy.
Imp. Recommendations
The shape of the car should be kept different from the shape of competitors products. The design of the car is recommended to be kept innovative and unique in order to attract customers. The design should also be kept on improving on regular basis.
9.1.2 LABELING
The Label of car presents only basic information about the car i.e. brand name and car name.
Imp. Recommendations
The name of the car proposed is Nissan next. The name represents innovation and movement ahead as is the plan to move the car ahead of its competitors in aspects like Affordability, comfort, design and safety. The label of the car should be innovative and attractive. The fonts used should be decent and attractive. Only precise text should be presented.
Imp. Recommendations
It is recommended both products should be launched simultaneously with major production and share to CNG car as demand of CNG is much more than that of simple car. After three months time a survey should be conducted to judge customers response to the car.
Imp. Recommendations
The price of the car should be kept lesser than the competitors as Nissan nexts major objective is providing economical car to users. Also the target market of the car is Middle and low income class so it should be kept in their affordability. This is accomplished by reducing the overhead costs like OWN payment etc. by developing efficient distribution mechanism.
Recommendations
Nissan next will adopt both distribution channels for distribution of car. Use of Direct Channel: Nissan has its showrooms in major divisional
headquarters; at these stations Nissan next will use its direct distribution channel.
Also it is recommended to increase the direct distribution coverage area by setting up showrooms in more areas to have better control over distribution. Use of In-direct Channel: In those areas where Nissan doesnt have its showrooms it will use its chain of authorized dealers to sell out its cars in these areas.
Recommendations
Nissan can use electronic and print media to advertise about its car. Nissan can advertise on billboards, flex signs, bus boards, telemarketing etc. Special advertisement campaigns can be launched e.g. seminars, road shows publications etc. to create awareness about Nissan next. Nissan will sponsor special events like concerts etc. to introduce the car to public.
9.4.2 ADVERTISING
To advertise the product better and create awareness about product; Nissan will use different advertisement methods to approach the consumers. The diversity of advertisement channels will help in reaching the masses of different mindsets. Following Advertisement methods will be used: Nisan will use print and electronic media to introduce the product to consumers. Special events will be sponsored by Nissan. Use of Billboards, flex signs etc for massive introduction of cars launch. Special road shows and displays will be set at dealers outlets. Prize contest will be conducted to attract people towards the car.
Launch a blind ad campaign on billboards 2 weeks and magazines in all A class areas of major cities and magazine. Heavy advertising on TV, newspapers and 4 weeks magazines Sponsor a highly prestigious chain of events 3 weeks or concerts.
Department
Set displays of car at all the Nissan 3 weeks
Marketing department Finance Department, Marketing Department. Marketing department Marketing department
showrooms and major dealer outlets in all cities. A contest will be held and people who win April will get prizes (Car Info. Books, Key chains, phone cards etc.)
Reduce number of billboards, television and May magazines advertisements. Continue Advertising
June
11.0 BUDGET
As Nissan has a tough competition with some big names like Suzuki and Toyota so there is need of strong financial support to all marketing activities. Nissan has allocated initially Rs. 30 millions for the marketing of Nissan next. This budget will be used during the fiscal year of 2006-2007. This amount will be further sub-allocated to different areas. Rs. 15 millions has been allocated to the budget of initial cost for the marketing analysis and all activities of advertising and promotion during first quarter of the year. For the continuity of the promotional and advertisement activities Rs. 15 millions has been sub-allocated for each quarter over the years as Rs. 5 million per quarter. These allocations of finances can be altered with respect to the future requirements
11.2.3 SPONSORSHIPS
Nissan will sponsor different events like concerts, seminars and other social activities etc. to promote the car in masses and attract people. This sponsorship of a chain of activities over time will cost about to Rs. 2 million.
12.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
ALLEN, G. (1998). Introduction to Marketing . Addison-Wesley. Fifth Edition. London. SAMUEL, B. (2003). Marketing for Beginners . Pearson Education . 2nd Edition. Boston. MERCER, D. (1996). Marketing . Blackwell Publishing . 2nd Edition. London. MINETTE, S. (2001). B2B Marketing . Pearson Education . Revised Edition. Boston. ALBERTO, J. (2005). Strategy Moves . Pearson Education . 1st Edition. New York.
Appendix A
MUST CARS
Due to increase in economic activity in the country, demand of automobiles especially cars for private use have increased hugely. Currently Suzuki is enjoying the major share in the market due its affordable cars, availability of spare parts and good marketing. Suzuki is dominating the market but there are a lot of problems which are being faced by users. Especially the week areas are design and safety standards. If Nissan wants to compete with Suzuki in the market and break into its dominance it should provide buyers with highly excellent designs of cars and also cars which are safe and comfortable to travel.
CAR MAX
The most important parameters while buying cars a buyer looks for are its Price, Safety standards, Design of car and how much comfortable the vehicle is. Currently some of the cars implemented the design, safety, comfort standards are very expensive and huge market share goes to those cars which are less standardized but are cheap. Nissan can stand in market and be successful if it make an ideal
combination of Affordability, design, safety, comfort and make a better and cheap product for buyers. Currently less quality cars of Suzuki are enjoying bulk of market share due to lack of better options available in market. Nissan is currently not so much successful in Pakistani market but they can improve their position by focusing at this area and developing effective marketing strategy to break the influence of Suzuki and Toyota.
CONSUMER QUESTIONNAIRE
What is your Gender? a. Male b. Female What is your age? a. 18-25 b. 25-35 c. 35 and above What is your income? a. Below 50,000 b. Above 50,000 Do you use Nissan cars? a. Yes b. No What comes to your mind when you think about Nissan? a. Affordable Cars
e. Safety f. High brand image How satisfied are you with Nissan? a. Very satisfied b. Satisfied c. Neutral
Do you own a car? a. Yes b. No If yes, which car do you prefer? a. Toyota b. Suzuki c. Nissan
Do you prefer public transport to private cars? a. Yes b. No Are you satisfied with safety of cars already in market? a. Yes b. No What is your major preference when buying a car? a. Price b. Safety c. Comfort d. Design e. Other please specify . What power of car do you prefer?
a. 800 cc
b. 1000 cc c. 1200 cc or more What type of color you like? a. Non-Metallic b. Metallic
If one of the companies plans to launch a new car of great design, safety, comfort and affordable which one you will prefer? a. Toyota b. Suzuki c. Nissan d. Local companies
e.
What influences your buying decision? a. TV ad b. Magazine c. Word of mouth d. Bill board e. Other, Please specify ..
QUESTIONNAIRE ANALYSIS
Gender
60 %age 50 40 30 20 10 0 Male Gender Type Female
Income
70 60 50 %age 40 30 20 10 0 Below 50000 A bove 50000 Incom e group
Age Group
45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 18-25 25-40 40-60 Above 60 Age Grouping
%age
%age
%age
%age
%age
If any one of the company launches a car whichone you will prefer?
35 30 25 %age 20 15 10 5 0 Toyota Suzuki Nissan Local Companies Other
%age
ANALYSIS SUMMARY
According to survey people with an income bracket less than Rs. 50,000 per month prefers buying small cars for their private use. A large percentage of people prefer buying their own cars then to use public transport but most of them are not satisfied with the safety standards of the cars in the market. There is very less market share of Nissan in the market i.e. about 8 % while its competitors are enjoying large share. People using Nissan cars are not greatly satisfied with the car and they expect Nissan to do more. According to survey the most important considerations by a buyer of car are price, safety, comfort and design with price having major influence. About 65% of the people surveyed were of age group 25 to 60 who are the major buyers. Most of the buyers are not satisfied with the prices of the cars and are willing to buy 1000 cc. cars for Rs. 3,00,000 to Rs. 4,50,000 but most of the cars in the market get more out of them as they are expensive. They consider Toyota and Suzuki more successful in launching a new car in market than Nissan. People seem to be more highly influenced by the TV ads and billboards.
Appendix B
Age Structure
Graph 1.1
0-14 years 15-64 years 65 and above
60 50 40 30 20 10 0 percentage population
Table 1.1
Age Limit 0-14 years 15-64 years 65 and above Percentage Population 41% 55% 4%
BUDGET
Table 1.2
Market Analysis Cost
Wages and Salaries 1 Professional Cost 2 Team Leader 3 Team Members Research Agencies Cost Grand Total: Rs. 500,000 Rs. 50,000 Rs. 150,000 Rs. 1300,000 Rs. 2 million Rs. 700,000
Table 1.3
Questionnaire Cost
1 Development Cost 2 Execution Cost 3 Interpretation Cost Grand Total: Rs. 200,000 Rs. 600,000 Rs. 200,000 Rs. 1 million
Table 1.4
Advertising & Promotional Cost
Table 1.4.1 Advertising 1 2 3 4 Table 1.4.2 Promos 1 2 Table 1.4.3 Rs. Bill Boards etc. TV/ Cable Networks News Paper, Magazines, etc Displays & Roadshows etc. Rs. Rs. Rs. Rs. 2 million 3 million 1 million 2 million 8
Sponsorships 1 Sponsor ship of concerts Rs. 1 million 2 Sponsorship of social Rs. 1 million Grand Total
Rs.
Rs.
12