In Response To Chris Morin

Gas prices are continually climbing, and I have seen projections online that a gallon of gas could reach $5 in the summer months. I agree how scary it is that we are so greatly affected by the Middle East, even though they are on the other side of the world. Dependence is a scary concept for America, because we as Americans would not be able to survive without the oil from the Middle East. There would be decreased production, transportation, heating, and an overall lower quality of life. This is something that Americans will not accept, and honestly, we are at the absolute mercy of the Middle Eastern oil companies. The lofty claims of politicians who want to lower gas prices sound great, but are virtually impossible to accomplish in real life. There are too many extenuating circumstances which are out of their jurisdiction. Smart cars are a great invention and could be a great thing if American consumers decide to not buy a big SUV or truck. Unfortunately I do not see this trend occurring anytime soon. I will end this response with the question, will the price of gas ever be returned to prices that were common before our economic recession?

Honda Gets Personal

Honda has recently launched a marketing campaign through which they had consumers create "bucket lists" of things they would like to do or accomplish before they die. They then entered the consumers into a drawing for a new CR-V, and some consumers were fortunate enough to acquire a new vehicle. The target market that Honda was trying to reach was the 20-30 age group, in hopes of gearing their marketing campaign around the important decisions that they are making which shapes their lives.

The campaign also had a commercial that aired during the super bowl and starred Mathew Broderick, who was the star of the 80's movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". The film is about a high school student who chooses to play hookie rather than go to school, and finds himself going on an exciting adventure. This is also a movie that the target market can relate to, and be knowledgeable of. By using Broderick as a spokesperson Honda hopes to convince their target market to live spontaneously, and according to Honda they can help achieve this by purchasing their product. I end this blog with the question, is it foolish for companies to target such a specific group, when trying to sell a generalized product?

This is an all around good idea for a marketing plan. Although their target market may be geared towards the younger generation, everybody wants to live spontaneously and live an exciting life. Therefore, all consumers will want to be a part of the potential outcomes that could occur if they choose Honda. With the resurgence of the American motor industry, Honda is looking to enhance its sales in the North American market, which has always been a lucrative market for them. Through their creative marketing schemes I believe it will not be long before they achieve their sales goals.