| Many marketing managers are already aware of the | | | | cleaner fuel alternatives have also prompted further |
| four Ps and how pleasing customers has become a | | | | government regulations, incentives for vehicles that |
| major priority in marketing today. With increases in | | | | benefit the environment, and also increased |
| technology, however, customer approval is more | | | | government funding for research into other forms of |
| important than ever before, and all aspects of | | | | fuel. |
| business are rapidly advancing to conform to | | | | Fuel and the price of gas in today's economy is also |
| expectations of today's varied consumers. The | | | | another aspect that has greatly influenced the auto |
| internet has offered consumers the ability to not only | | | | industry, and a number of other industries as well. |
| rate a large number of products, but also easily | | | | While sales of larger SUVs and trucks are declining, |
| provide their own reviews, opinions, and input into the | | | | more people are interested in smaller, compact cars |
| most popular products. | | | | that offer better fuel economy. Another advantage |
| The effect of this on production is that today's | | | | that technology has offered auto dealers and |
| products are tested and engineered to be of the | | | | consumers alike is price comparison shopping and |
| highest quality and also accommodate many customer | | | | referrals. Now, when a customer is looking for a new |
| needs. In terms of marketing management, it means | | | | vehicle, they can go online, research certain models, |
| being able to listen to the customers and not only what | | | | compare prices, and easily get a referral to a local |
| they like and dislike but what their needs are and how | | | | dealership that offers the best price. For the dealers, |
| they can be met. One great example of how | | | | this has lead to increased competitiveness and greater |
| businesses have adapted to customers can be seen | | | | cost cutting, as well as no haggle pricing on the part of |
| in the auto industry. Today's vehicles come standard | | | | some companies. |
| with such things as mp3 players, navigational systems, | | | | With more and more people turning to the internet not |
| Bluetooth capability, and even added cup holders and | | | | only to shop, but also to do product research prior to |
| grocery bag hooks. Also, cars are now equipped with | | | | buying, price comparison is becoming increasingly |
| more added safety features than ever before. | | | | important. In fact, in a recent survey, it was determined |
| With the increased availability of information on a | | | | that 58 percent of online shoppers felt that all |
| variety of different products, today's consumers are | | | | ecommerce sites should offer a price comparison |
| more educated than ever before, demanding products | | | | service that enabled them to make the best choices |
| that are made from the safest materials and | | | | on the spot. Marketing management is shifting faster |
| production methods that are safer for the environment. | | | | than ever before, and customer input and approval is |
| Increased consumer demands for hybrid vehicles and | | | | valued much more today than ever before. |