This article has stated that the sales of cars have been increasing for the past 19 months and are projected to increase, especially for private cars that are energy efficient. Car models like the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Note are able to attract consumers with their energy efficient models and compact designs. Noticing the new trend, firms like Mercendes-Benz also have improved sales with their small car models. These firms are able to shift their value propositions are produce what the consumers really want in the modern age as there is an increasing amount of people look for a small compact, energy efficient cars as the oil prices are high up in the market.

It is projected that the demands of these models will continue to increase as oil prices are still high up. It is important for car firms to open up for energy efficient research and create cars that are energy efficient in order to make more profit. If firms like fiat, who produces a large ranges of cars do not keep up with the new consumer trend and shifting their value propositions and marketing strategies, it is likely that these firms will not be able to compete with those such as fiat and ford.

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/04/new-car-sales-five-year-high-smmt

In this article, it states that the Republic of Ireland decides to ban smoking as 22% of people aged 15 or above smokes and it has significantly affected the health of citizens in ireland. The ban can reduce the externalities produced from smoking and can reduce the costs brought to the society, such as second hand smoke and medical costs of the smokers. I believe that Ireland can reach their goal of being tobacco free by 2025, as a total ban is more effective than a tax as a tax has many negative impacts on the society.

For example, there is a possibility of the emergence of black market. This could further reduce the effectiveness of the taxation policy and the goal of discouraging smoking.   However, firms that produce cigarettes will face a loss of sales in Ireland. This is one of the disadvantages of an industry that is too narrowed and has a focus strategy, where it could run out of business when they are in these situations. These firms should look like a product differentiation or a new product line that uses different strategies in order to secure its position in the market and avoid unexpected changes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24386229

One of the most popular social media Twitter is seeking to raise its Initial Public Offering. During class we have discussed what IPO is – which is to open up the company and to sell its stocks to the public. I believe Twitter will be successful in the market as they have a unique value proposition compared to other social media if they continue to innovate and make changes. Twitter is a very simple platform where users share their thoughts and what they are doing at the moment with their friends under a certain amount of words. However, Twitter would need to work on its advertising and marketing strategy as there are not lots of room for advertising in the user interphase. Although Facebook had a difficult time attracting investors, Twitter can be successful if they focus more on their points of difference (simplicity) rather than trying to add many other features (uploading videos, GIFs). Asia is also another market Twitter has not tapped in as there are other apps such as WeiXin, WeiBo in China where it has taken a lot of users. Twitter should consider this also as an option to further develop their potential to grow as a leading social media.

http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/03/twitter-files-for-1-billion-ipo-will-list-as-twtr/