than disliking the brand. So, Farley, along with the rest of the marketing team at Ford,
created a campaign that used catchy songs and cheerful images to accompany its line of
automobiles. The marketing team at Ford is now heavily utilizing the Internet to
promote the new Ford Fiesta, which is the focus of a campaign that has greatly
increased the awareness of the Ford brand. The company has also been stressing the
value of buying environment-friendly cars, a move it hopes will improve the brand’s
image throughout the world. So far, these moves appear to be workingin late 2010, Ford
was once again named the second leading automotive company in the United States, as
well as the fourth largest in the world.
(“Ford Can Fiesta Again.” TheEconomist, October 28, 2010)
In addition to promoting environment-friendly cars, Ford is now trying to market its
cars as universal ones that can be used in markets throughout the world. The company
is utilizing the phrase, “One Ford” in conjunction with the campaign and is hoping that
consumers will begin to recognize Ford as the number one global auto-maker.
Assuming this is an attempt at a unique selling proposition, which of the following is an
implication of this method?
a. It is a short-term commitment.
b. It is very efficient once a clear link has been established.
c. It is not resistant to competitive challenge.
d. It allows you to switch strategies, and the strategies will continue to be effective.
Scenario1-1
In 1996, a graduate from the University of Maryland, Kevin Plank founded Under
Armour, a performance apparel company that now competes with some of the top
apparel brands in the industry. During its first ten years of operations, the company was
known primarily for its sweat-wicking clothing line. In late 2010, however, Under
Armour released its first line of basketball shoes since the company’s inception. “Along
with the new product line, the company must have a new brand image,” said Plank. “I
called our marketing team and asked them to go through this building and find anything
that says that we are only an apparel brand and throw it away.” The company has also
removed all advertisements carrying the word “apparel,” and will begin exploring new