Automotive Brands Making Clever Use Of Mobile
According to a study done by ChannelNet there are more than 440 000 mobile sites and 500 000 mobile apps available worldwide with the automotive industry leading the pack and the category for auto parts coming in a close second.
Mobile device usage has seen rapid growth over the last few years, especially in the automotive industry. Mobile devices have made the buying and selling of cars easier than ever and this is proven by the statistics - 38% of all vehicle searches are done via mobile phones.
Having a mobile-optimised website can increase your business visibility and generate leads. Many consumers are looking for information on the go and having an easy-to-use mobile site for your business can increase your competitive advantage.
According to MobileMarketer.com 90% of shoppers end up at a car dealership after doing online research. This emphasizes the importance of focusing your web resources to attract clients for sales. Your websites usability plays an important role in converting leads to clients. Remember, your website in many cases is clients first point of contact with your brand. Easy access to information regarding your business is critical, especially on your mobile website.
According to Quattro Wireless mobile has the reach and the ability to take someone from consideration to purchase. It sure comes as no surprise that various automotive companies are taking advantage of what mobile has to offer, with great success as a result:
Harley-Davidson extends brand loyalty through mobile, using text messaging to inform customers about sales and promotions.
Volkswagen AG (AdMob Case Study) uses mobile marketing aggressively and smartly.
Land Rover used Admob which drove 73% of the traffic to their mobile site. On the mobile website, Land Rover had over 45,000 video views, 7,400 custom wallpaper downloads, 128,000 gallery views, 5,000 dealer lookups, 800 brochure requests, and 1100 and click-to-calls.
Toyotas motion sensitive iPhone App for Hybrid models: The less water you spill out of the glass, the more economical you are driving
Peugeot 3008 global mobile site: Enhanced touchscreen functionality
BMW Mobile Video Companion Ad (Rhythm NewMedia) achieves branding success.
Mobile case study: Jaguar XF Pre-launch (Yahoo!)
Steering Mazda customers (iCrossing)
Read more about these case studies on MMAGlobal.com.
Russia, India likely to follow Chinese auto mobile industry
Meyrick Cox of Moelis & Co., mentioned on Tuesday that Russian and Indian companies are likely to follow the foot steps of China in executing the overseas business to expand automobile industry. Chinese auto industry gave a decade in enhancing its brands, technology and distribution capabilities through ventures, tie-ups and alliance like culminating in Geely's buying Volvo from Ford for .5 billion in this year. Cox, told that, Russia is having the same problem which China faced ten years ago. He also added that, there were joint ventures like Lada manufacturer AvtoVAZ's ventured with Renault SA, the company as well as its rivals like GAZ all were under pressure from the Kremlin to advance the Russia's auto industry. He further made a point that, the question that lies here is that these companies would pay the consultancy to help in develop things for them or it will be their own work or effort or with alliances or tie ups.
As per his opinion, he said, the company would purchase if there are likable assets which will add to company's profit. Also stating his opinion on the Indian auto giants, he said that, the big players in India which are family owned auto companies such as Hinduja Group, Mahindra Group—Mahindra & Mahindra unit are utility vehicle producers that may pursue international deals which would help these companies to cater the domestic market which is 1 billion or more. The biggies of China and state controlled leaders, Dongfeng and FAW were keen to boost it's branding, know-how and foot print. As per Cox, it is the same problem which everyone faces. He also said that, there is not much to buy in terms of assets. In every ten years, the auto industry revamps itself in terms of its ownership. But currently the companies have done it in the two years. Geely chairman Li Shufu said in an interview, in August that Volvo is a great brand which is difficult to find. In amusement he also quoted that, Chinese auto companies would like to buy Daimler AG's Mercedes unit if it were for sale. Cox further said, the Chinese auto markers focus in bringing its brand in the world market. It is not the right move as the demand vary and the Japaneses auto makers are also following the same trend. The focal point is to make car for Chinese people in China. He also said that, Chinese auto maker SAIC Motor Corp, is launching "Roewe" auto mobile in Europe, the Chinese car manufacturers will start making inroads in the developed markets. He also predicted that China is growing very fast and the market will be flooded with the Chinese auto mobiles in next five years time. And those who believe it will happen in a decade or two will be shocked.