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Cadillac

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Submitted By mlynn2007
Words 1040
Pages 5
Marketing
Marjorie L. Williams
MKT/421
April 6, 2015
Ronald Stirpe

Marketing
Introduction
A month ago I was forced to purchase a new car when the clutch went out on my 1996 Geo Prism. I could have replaced the clutch, but I felt after 19 years, it was time for Monica (my car’s name) to rest. So I had to find a car which was affordable, reliable, and safe. The car had to be powerful, durable, long lasting, alluring and sexy as well. The model car I purchased was a Cadillac CTS. Although, the CTS Sedan was a little expensive, it was worth it because the brand name –Cadillac -demands respect, exhumes intangible quality, with diverse customers, and has lasted over 100 years never swaying from qualities and distinctiveness I fervently love.
Distinctiveness and Qualities

When I see a Cadillac on the road, I have to do a double take. It’s like Cadillac asked me what I wanted in a car and delivered to my door. The Cadillac CTS Sedan’s sexy, elongated; low, sharp design has theatrical angles from front to back. In regard to the CTS Sedan, Cadillac notes, “No detail overlooked. From its signature LED lighting to its ingenious lightweight aluminum doors to its remarkably powerful engines, every gram of material in the CTS had to justify its existence” (General Motors, 2015). The attraction is not just manifested in one Cadillac model, but all their models. This is why the Cadillac brand is so highly sought after –desired. Owner’s of Cadillac (new and used) take pride in owning a Caddy because brand believes they deserve the best. The Cadillac brand offers owners of their luxury car benefits such as the following: • Premium Care Maintenance • Warranty Protection • Roadside Assistance • Courtesy Transportation • OnStar Services: o Emergency o Security (GPS Technology) o Navigation o Connections (Hand-Free calling) o Diagnostics
These benefits may be common on other model cars. However, Cadillac takes it a step further by offering these benefits on new and used Cadillac models -2011 to current (General Motors, 2015). Not many automobile brands take care of new customers in used cars. A deeper connection had developed between me and my Caddy when it was by a reckless driver. The driver was showing off by spinning dirt and grass next to the road. Without looking at ongoing traffic, he swerved into the road and hit the driver side of my car. Luckily, no one was hurt, but you couldn’t tell that by looking at his truck. The entire right front end of the truck’s bumper and the right front panel was gone. Whereas, there was only a slight dent in the driver’s door and black scuff marks. Cadillac’s built-in technology knew we were about to be hit and turned into the swerve of the truck; therefore there was little damage. The durability, technology and safe features I experience first-hand has elevated my trust in the Cadillac brand.
Cadillac’s Longevity The Cadillac brand has earned the trust of customers –generation to generation –for over 100 years. The Cadillac brand maintains their longevity through innovation and creativity “from developing the world’s first electric self-starting engine and pioneering the integration of computer technology into vehicles, to being the first to offer drivers a color other than black and creating the fastest family of production cars with the CTS-V Series, it’s all a part of our history” notes Cadillac (General Motors, 2015). Cadillac recognized in order for the brand to survive they have to be able to give the baby boomers and the millennials not only what they need but desire. The desire to fulfill a dream –to obtain what is unattainable –intangible.
Intangible Quality Owners of Cadillac’s perceive the brand as having intangible quality. According to Leone, chief engineer at Cadillac, intangible quality is described as “what people are willing to pay for beyond the actual value of the product purchased” (General Motors, 2015). For example, one may wonder why people stand in line for days to purchase iPhone rather than purchase a Nokia. Both mobile phones can make and receive calls. Both mobile phones have apps. However, the iPhone is identified as having intangible quality. Think about it, the iPhone has its own iHospital.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
While the Caddy was in the shop to remove the dent in the driver’s door, the insurance company of the reckless driver reserved a rental for me. Unfortunately, the rental allowance was low and the only car available for that daily price was a Spark. When the rental representative saw I owned a Cadillac on the crash report she immediately offered an upgrade. The representative reasoned, I should drive a car similar to what I was accustomed to. I do not think I would have received the same attitude and deferential treatment if the model brand of my previous car –Geo Prism –was shown on the crash report. Nonetheless, I appreciated the thoughtfulness; especially since I didn’t know what a Spark was.
Competitors
When searching for a new car, two competitors of General Motors Companies (GMC) Cadillac came close to fulfilling my desires: Acura and Audi. Both vehicles are eye-catching and captivating on the highway. However, the sexiness of the four rings on the sleek design of the Audi A6 wins over the Acura TLX Concept sporty look. Both brands are well built with marketing strategies which boast features of comfort, safety, security, and reliability –like the Cadillac CTS. However, I chose the Cadillac brand for two reasons: (1) location of production and (2) pulse rate. Although, I find Audi’s are attractive, they are manufactured in Germany. Whereas Acura’s are produced in the United States, but my heart did not race when I saw it.
Conclusion
In the end, the Cadillac brand has exhibited and proven through the century they are the ones to beat. At least this is my perception of the brands, qualities and features. I chose the Cadillac brand because of how it made me feel. Yet today, it was the accident and specific incidences which make me proud to know I am part of the Cadillac family.

Reference
General Motors. (2015). Cadillac: 2015 CTS Sedan. Retrieved from http://www.cadillac.com

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