Not enough North Americans are buying the Fiat 500
Fiat has a rather small market share over in North America
Fiat has not built a strong enough brand image in this new market Causes of Problem
Fiat brand vehicles have a reputation for being poor quality
(Fix It Again Tony)
Bad reputation from the 1970’s
Economic Recession fears and the US economic slump
New Generations are not familiar with brand name
Problem Statement
Which product strategies can Fiat use to increase their market share in North America by 50% by the end of 2014?
About Fiat S.p.A
Founded in Turin, Italy in 1899
Is the largest car manufacturer in Italy since 1910
Inspired vehicles compete well in Europe
Unsuccessfully entered the US market twice
Acquisition of Chrysler signified a third attempt
Fiat released the Fiat 500 in North America last year
About the Fiat 500
Successful in Europe, especially in Italy, France and the UK
Many awards including European Car of the Year
Above average reliability index according to consumers
Not selling well in North America
Did not meet the sales goals last year
Sales rising steadily
Fiat hasn’t shed the reputation it has earned in America
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Above average reliability
Potential for widespread distribution through Chrysler
Biggest car manufacturer in Italy
Aligned with Ferrari and Maserati
Strategic management (Sergio Marchionne)
Lowest CO2 emissions of any car manufacturer
Fiat brand reputation for style
SWOT Analysis
Weakness
Small Product line
Many product recalls 2011-2012
Bad reputation in North America (Fix it again Tony)
New Brand
Lack of Scale
Only makes a 1/3 of the revenue than competitors.
170 dealerships in US
SWOT Analysis
Opportunities
Positive outlook for hybrid and electric vehicles
Gradual fade away of market for SMART Cars (SMART
Fortwo)
Fast growing market for subcompacts
Increasing gas prices
SWOT Analysis
Threats
Stiff competition
Mini
Green Cars
Labour strikes impacting production
Increases in prices of raw materials
Global economy is still in recession
Competitive Analysis
Fiat 500
2012
Smart
Fortwo
2011
Mini
Cooper
Hardtop
2011
Ford
Fiesta SE
Hatchbac
k 2012
Toyota
Yaris 3Door L
2012
Scion IQ
2011
Honda Fit
2012
Price
(MSRP)
$15,500
USD
$12,490
USD
$20,100
USD
$15,500
USD
$14,115
USD
$16,020
USD
$15175
USD
Gas
Mileage
30.5 MPG
37 MPG
33 MPG
33 MPG
34 MPG
37 MPG
30 MPG
Power
101 HP
70 HP
121 HP
120 HP
106 HP
94 HP
117 HP
City Gas
Mileage
27 MPG
33 MPG
29 MPG
29 MPG
30 MPG
36 MPG
27 MPG
Seating capacity 4 passenger s
2 passenger s
4 passenger s
5 passenger s
5 passenger s
2 passenger s
5 passenger s
Engine
Type
1.4L 4cylinder
1.0L 3cylinder
1.6L 4cylinder
1.6L 4cylinder
1.5L 4cylinder
1.3L 4cylinder
1.5L 4cylinder
Warranty:
BumpertoBumper
4 years/50,0 00 miles
2 years/24,0 00 miles
4 years/50,0 00 miles
3 years/36,0 00 miles
3 years/36,0 00 miles
3 years/36,0 00 miles
3 years/36,0 00 miles
Perceptual Map
Classy (Expensive)
Mini Cooper
Volkswagen Beetle
Conservative
Ford
Fiesta
Toyota
Yaris
Sporty/ trendy
Honda Fit
Smart
Fortwo
Fiat 500
Practical (Affordable)
Scion iQ
Market Size
Top 10 Subcompact Cars in the US for August 2012
Nissan Juke; 6%
Kia Rio; 7% Kia Soul; 19%
Mini Cooper; 7%
Fiat 500; 6%
Nissan Versa; 17%
Ford Fiesta; 9%
Honda Fit; 7%
Chevrolet Sonic; 13%
Hyundai Accent; 10%
Market Segments
Demographic
Age
16 through 65
Gender
Male and Female
Family Size/Martial Status
Single or Married
With or without children
Empty nest
Income
Under 10k through 45k
Occupation
Student
Career Beginning
Retired
Self employed
Education
High School
College
Degree
Geographic
Region
America
Canada
Mexico
Density
Urban
Suburban
Metropolitan
Market Segments
Behavioural
Benefits Sought
Mid-quality
Low price
Style/flavour