"Human Energy Crisis"

The article, conveys the impression that there is a new "human crisis" for sustainable energy in America, and PepsiCo's Quaker has step forward to appeal to consumers that they have just fix for this crisis.  Their marketers used a strategic approach by studying moods or state of minds consumers, or what they refer to as the "HUMAN ENERGY INDEX" due to their use of key words such as "#tired and #energized, on social networks like Twitter. 

This caused them to launch their campaign; as suggested in their ads, starting the day off with the "good energy," of any of their oatmeal-based brands, ranging from cereal bars to hot cereal, will provide the energy they need through out the day.  They even went a step further, as per their website, by creating "— Quaker’s Good Energy For Go-Getters —" which suggests that people can "finding energy through good eating choices, exercise, hydration, sleep and managing stress. And while you’re fueling up with Quaker, we’ve pulled together a few tips that can help you hit your good energy groove." I must say that this will appeal to every consumer as we are a nation that is more health conscious.  As a matter of fact Quaker has developed a keiretsu with Mashable, and plans to promulgate quarterly "Human Energy Index" that compiles data from the site.

However, Quaker is not the only company that launched new campaigns.  Competitors such as Mondelez International, known for their breakfast energy biscuits, belVita, Post Foods and even  Kellogg Co has came up with new products to combat the "energy" crisis in America. 

Through their commercials and social networking, it is perceived that these foods, when consumed for breakfast, fill you up, and keep you alert and functioning at the same time; as opposed to a quick, temporary fix from an alternate caffeinated product.  We as consumers are culturally programmed to  try anything that promises to give us a positive outcome, in this case energy, to battle whatever the day brings.


For additional reading:
http://quakerup.com/

THIS + THAT= GAME TIME DURING NAP TIME

 

I think Radio Shack's "Do It Together" campaign is the best idea they have come up with so as to help boost sales.  I remember the last time I went to a Radio Shack store, as I was in the process of purchasing a new television, but as I looked around, I did not see anything that grabbed my interest and the sales associates hardly interact with me to try to convince me that I was in the right place. 
 
This new campaign will have a positive impact on buyer's behavior.  While they are paly around and collaboration with sales associates it will give them the information they need about the products, they will also be able to evaluate each product and make the correct purchasing decision and reduce any post purchase anxiety they may have. 

 

2013 Chevrolet Volt

Was the Chevy Volt a success?

According to the article published on KBB.com, and the positive responses from people who actually owns the vehicle, it seems as though the 2013 Chevrolet Volt electric plug-in hybrid was some what successful.  Unlike it's competitor, the Toyota Prius Hybrid, which relies on a gasoline engine to power the car and only utilize electric drive as a supplement, the Chevy volt runs solely on electric power, utilizing gasoline as a supplement.   It offers excellent mileage per charge, about 50 miles, and if the battery becomes depleted, it is supplemented by a gasoline engine.  

Even though there are a few pro's as stated in customers reviews, I think there are considerable flaws with this car.  Perhaps the biggest concern would be that of the overall safety of the vehicle.   According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), three weeks after they have crashed there is a "Formal Safety Defect Investigation of Post-Crash Fire Risk in Chevy Volts"(www.nhtsa.gov).  This was discovered while testing was done on a  Chevy Volt to access the vehicle's ability to absorb and protect its occupants from injuries if they were ever involved in a side collision.  However, a few weeks later, due to damages to the vehicle's battery, the car was engulfed in flames.  Other major defects includes overheating engines, and defective radiator.

In analyzing the factors that has contributed to the success on the Volt, I would have to say that it is a great concept, a step above the eco-friendly cars that already exists.  As far as place distribution, the vehicle is readily available to eco-conscious consumers who are ready to purchase.  I do recall a few commercials but was not eager or excited about the new technological features it offers as per the commercial.  What hurts the product's success is the issue of pricing.  The product is too pricey and even with tax incentives, it is still not the economical for average consumers and it's resale value is considerably low.   



Bibliography:

Tran, Lynda. (2011, November 25,  Friday).  Statement of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration On Formal Safety Defect Investigation of Post-Crash Fire Risk in Chevy Volts.  Retrieved February 1, 2014, From http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2011/Statement+of+the+National+Highway+Traffic+Safety+Administration+On+Formal+Safety+Defect+Investigation+of+Post-Crash+Fire+Risk+in+Chevy+Volts