A Polar Iconic Design

Coca Cola is introducing a new design to their iconic pop cans this winter to raise awareness for their signature mascot, polar bears. They are donating two million dollars to WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as well as matching any donation to the foundation. 

This is a very smart move for the company. Firstly, the principal amount Coca Cola is donating is an extremely small amount compared to their annual profits so little is coming out of the company’s pocket. Despite the minuscule amount, to many consumers, it may seem like Coca Cola is a caring company bringing awareness to the world. Coca Cola can use this approval in building a stronger brand image. Thirdly, Coca Cola created a joint partnership with World Wildlife Fund matching any donations up to one million dollars. This is a win win partnership because the charity will be receive more donation this holiday season, while Coca Cola can use the partnership to build a stronger loyal customer base and once again, a stronger brand image. Thirdly, the new design Coca Cola implemented into their cans promotes their commitment to protecting the polar bears while it matches the winter season. Coca Cola’s competitors have created ads promoting their product as being the ideal beverage for the winter season, but so far, no one else has created a new design. It can be said that Coke is first to do this.

Links:  Coke Can Goes White for Polar Bear Plight.  Pepsi Christmas

Multimedia: Google.ca

Final Stride for the Occupy Movement

Bemeda offered her thoughts on “The End of the Occupy Vancouver Movement” stating that the movement has significantly weakened loosing support and lacking focus. They have no power to go against the authorities as they were told to pack up and go home earlier this week. She suggests that  the movement may continue online or take place in another location.

I think it is about time that  government forced the Occupy Movement out of the Vancouver Art Gallery area. After two months,  the Occupy Movement has done nothing but attract  unwanted attention and wasted man power. Many protests have taken place at the Vancouver Art gallery and after several weeks, they would pack up and move on regardless of them being successful or not. The Occupy Vancouver Movement has failed to impose any specific demands or threats. The general public was frustrated with them telling them to go home and find a job. However some don’t have a home to go back to because a good portion of them came from the Downtown East side. As a result, there have been several overdoses and DUI’s at the Occupy site.

I am personally not a supporter of the global Occupy Movement simply because of their lack of coordination and action leading to nothing being done. The movement haven’t occupied anything other than the area they are protesting in. Vancouver should be the city that role models in the Movement reaching its final stride.

Links: DMT Nexus Forum.  Inside Vancouver  The Vancouver Sun

Multimedia: Google.ca

 

An Unfair Match

BMW and AUDI have been the leading sports luxury brand in many segments of the car industry for many years. The BMW 3 series has been hailed for the best handling premium sports sedan with a range of estate, coupe and convertible versions, hence BMW’s slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine”. The Audi A4, direct competition of the 3 series, is known for exquisite exterior and interior design hence Audi’s slogan “Truth in Engineering”. In many ways, both vehicles in this segment have different target markets. The 3 series are for those who desire performance while the A4 are for those who value sleek design and innovation. Yet somehow, has been the best vehicle in this segment according to many auto magazines. Perhaps the marketing department of BMW may have something to do with it.

I agree with Tony about BMW’s billboard being superior to Audi’s. BMW’s billboard “checkmate” accompanied with the legendary BMW M3 displays a strong statement as it was challenged by Audi. The M3 solely focuses on performance more than anything else. In a head to head battle, the A4 would be no match. Using the M3 in the ad is unfair but because BMW has a slight competitive advantage, they are able to use the word “checkmate”. This not only catches peoples’ attention, but it also signifies the strength of the brand.

Links: Advertising War Between Audi & BMW. Tony Liu’s Blog

Multimedia: Advertising War Between Audi & BMW.

Is Low Cost the Way to Go?

 

I agree with Akash that there are barriers to entering the low cost airline market in Canada. With West Jet, whose business model is set up for a low cost operator, a large portion of market share have already been occupied. Air Canada already has several sub branches including Jazz and Star Alliance operating smaller aircrafts for routes within Canada.

I would vote no to the proposal because Air Canada’s business model is to operate on a large international based scale. Fundamentally, the demand for low cost airfares is there, but considering the existing competition specializing in operating a small scale airline, I think Air Canada should look beyond its borders and expand its routes internationally instead. Especially with the new Boeing 787 jetliners coming into service in two years, Air Canada will have a larger fleet of mid-large sized jetliners having the ability to fly greater distances to international hubs.

In addition to the new fleet, if the worker’s union is not in support with the proposal, a strike may be held and flight operations will be affected once again. Air Canada have had financial and employee problems in recent years.This will lead to poor customer service and possibly a decrease in air travelers selecting Air Canada. As a national airline, Air Canada must expand to compete internationally, not downsize.

Links: Air Canada union shuns discount carrier proposal, Akash Patel’s Blog

Photo: Google.ca

 

 

A World Within a World

Most of the world’s successful entrepreneurs have encountered a difficult beginning. This was no different for the man behind all our childhood classics, Walt Disney. Growing up in a violent family environment, Disney spent most of his time in his room with nothing but writing utensil, ink and paper that he used to create his fantasied world. He found his calling after working for Film Ad.Co creating animated advertisement and constructing a studios from his garage. From there, he created his first fully animated film “”Steamboat Willie” in 1928.

Disney continued his creations of cartoons including the classics; Mickey Mouse, Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs etc.. His vision and determination enabled him to bring his fantasied world into reality, enriching the world with happiness and joy.

However, Disney’s dream was not complete. He desired to create amusement parks around the world, based on his animated. As with most successful entrepreneurs, Disney made a critical decision in a  risky and costly undertaking as he took money out of his life savings, stock holdings, house and furniture to purchase the land to construct his theme park. His dream came true with the first Disney amusement park opened in 1955 where he slogan “The Happiest Place on Earth.” As with many successful entrepreneurs, Disney played his cards right, selling his idea to the world. Sometimes it only takes one person with a revolutionary idea to make the world just a little bit better.

Links: Walt Disney Biography 

Multimedia: Google.ca