New president and CEO of Mercedes Benz, Markus Schaefer, is growing more and more worried as the days pass. Previously, when people were going to buy cars their main concerns involved superficial wants; How big are the rims? Does it have a spoiler? Etc. But now, thanks to the growing green movement, the consumers main question should be which car is best for my unique usage? Because every driver uses their car for different purposes, some long-distance, others short-distance, and still others are somewhere in between.
Therefore the company adapted and released new cars for every different kind of user. For the country-styled folks who like to take road tips they made the Bluetec diesel engine which is used in the E-Class Sedan. For those like to stay in the city they made the all electric vehicles, because they dont need to worry about being stranded due to an an charged batter since it will be docked most of the time. Ten for the people who live in the city but still like to get away sometimes they made the S400 hybrid sedan and the ML hybrid Sports Utility vehicle to give them a taste of both worlds.
Mercedes Benz as a company is adapting well to these changes towards a more green economy, but the big question is whether or not consumers will be able to do the same. 2,424 adults entering Mercedes Benz were surveyed and asked if they would like to drive a vehicle that runs on alternative fuel. Just over 50% said yes. Out of that 50%, only 35% felt that they were educated on which kind they should buy. The thought that the public will not make the correct decisions when purchasing a vehicle is worrisome to the company because an incorrect purchase may deter them from coming back for more in the future.
But I do not think this will impose a big threat to the company, or the auto industry as a whole. I think this because for most people, any purchase over $500 will require a lot of thought and contemplation. Usually, car purchases are not impulsive, they are well thought out. They will recieve information from the dealers themselves (Schaefer is requiring more interaction between dealers and potential customers), and they are adding a lot more information to their websites and pamphlets. Therefore, I believe that the consumers will seek out information on which car is best for them, and ultimately make the right choice.
Sourcce: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575548142995118902.html?mod=WSJ_auto_IndustryCollection
I think it makes sense for the company to produce cars specifically made for certain groups of drivers. If a customer doesn't find the right type of car for himself/herself, he/she would just walk out, costing the company a huge potential gain. I was disappointed that only a slight majority said they would want a car that uses an alternative fuel. I wonder if the survey is done for customers in other auto companies, the results would be any different. I think Mercedes and other car companies will try to project an image of environmental friendliness more in the future. As more and more drivers want to lessen their impact on the environment, the companies who project a green image will succeed.
ReplyDeleteDo you think this is necessary for a Mercedes? Which is essentially known for its class and luxury?
ReplyDeleteI think that this is necessary for all automakers to consider the desires of customers in terms of the green movement. I'm glad that car brands are not just making huge, gas guzzling vehicles anymore. It's time for a change in the way people drive cars. As Mercedes-Benz offers its vehicles in fuel efficient ways, so will other manufacturers. Even wealthy consumers are concerned about the environment, their fuel economy, and being a responsible citizen.
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