Jeep is going through a new rebranding process. They have restyled the Grand Cherokee and placed strong emphasis on being American made. They are also working on connecting with the modern "wired" customer by creating applications to view the new Grand Cherokee by using the Ipad. The company also have an interactive application for Iphone users where they can plan, post and find out about trips from other users of the application. It works to bring users into the Jeep culture and has them interacting with the business on a regular basis. From initial review it appears to be actually a fun and interactive application.The website Jeep.com is creative and interactive. It has a modern and clean layout with interactive buttons for each of the vehicles. When you hover over each button a vehicle rolls from behind and a tab pops up with the base price and milage listed along with tabs to build your own custom model. By allowing a customer to build and price the vehicle along with getting a quote from local dealers the company is working on their virtual value chain. As of yet you cannot build and order a full vehicle directly from the site, like Dell computers, but due to costs it might be some time before you see the full chain online for Jeep. They are proactive in thier marketing efforts and it will be interesting to follow thier progress over the next few months.
The weather today is sunny with a slight breeze and about 64 degrees~
Smart thinking on Jeep's part to allow customers to build and price vehicles virtually. I think Dell and other companies have seen success in allowing customers to truly customize their products. I suppose the key is how much customization can you do within reasonable cost boundaries?
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know what an Ipad was? If anyone is interested, I have included a video link that explains, located at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSnIXfoSU6I. I think it's great that Jeep is trying to wire up for customers. I can't help but wonder which co-hort of buyers (gen x, baby boomers, ect) will be sold with the technology?
In regards to the Jeep web site, I found it dull and boring even though it was easy to navigate. I do like the fact that as a customer I can go into a site and check on recalls or look at the owner's manual.
Lastly, I agree that Jeep is working on utilizing concepts of the virtual value chain. I found the build a customized vehicle feature very similar to Dell's model.
Thanks.
Julie Speikers
First off I am an avid Jeep lover, I drive the 04 model of the Grand Cherokee and I would love to get their newest model (in good time!). I saw the newest commercial for their new GC model at a movie and after I got over the amazing-ness of it I thought a little more about what the commercial was saying. I think that commercial especially emphasizes what they are trying to do, show that it is an American made vehicle and that that is a great thing and something Americans should be proud to own.
ReplyDeleteI love what they are doing online with virtual vehicles and pricing and I think it is a wonderful thing for a company to do. It really puts the customer in control leading them down a road to buy. And by creating a Jeep community the company is building life long customers. I am a guilty party. Just like Subaru's have their own "cult following" so does Jeep and it really is pretty cool. You should see how many online forums there are out there just for Jeep owners.
Great post! Thanks!