EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
From the very beginning of automobile industry, product and branding strategies are considered as one of the major functions performed by the manufacturers. What is interesting that, with the passage of time, its importance is increasing significantly. Even though the voyage of automobile commenced in 1335 by Guido da Vigevano, in true sense there was not any considerable development until 1885, when Karl Benz invented the first practical automobile. Since then the automobile industry has gone a long way consisting of a number of renowned companies.
In this industry, the core product is transportation and communication facility backed by actual and augmented product. Product line decision involves Line stretching and Line filling. In this industry, Mercedes-Benz lengthens its product line by using both line stretching and line filling.
Since the early branding era, the branding strategies have changed throughout the time. Branding is, now-a-days, influencing the consumer buying behavior to a greater extent. As such manufacturers are now concentrating more on brand placement rather than product placement. They are developing brand loyalty in the minds of their customers in order to achieve high retention rate. Automobile companies can build up both product and corporate brand, but the recent trend is towards emphasizing on corporate branding. Previously it was thought that Branding is necessary from the sellers point of view to differentiate own products, but it has regarded as find out the desired product for consumer. Top automobile companies possess high brand equity which enables them to generate differential effect. Today, 9 automobile companies hold their position in the list of top 100 companies in terms of brand equity. Building a strong brand requires not only introducing the brand name but protecting it as well. Although brand