In 2005, Daimler Chrysler introduced a new car; a new brand and a new look with advanced technology in nine EU countries. It was named “Scanev” which was certainly distinctive and nice looking. The “Scanev” car is only 2,500 mm long, 1,515 mm wide and 1,529 mm high. It seats two adult or one adult and two children. The “Scanev” car weight is 720kg, has a 22 litre-gas tank, and gets 100 km per 4.8 litres. It has a frame called Tridion Safety Cell, which comes in silver colour and removable panels, which can be changed in less than an hour, in such colours as red, yellow, black, blue and green. The optimal leather seats are papaya coloured. If you are thinking that the interchangeable panels and the wild colours remind you of a Swatch watch, you are correct as Swatch watch was the inspiration for developing this car. In the early stages of the project, Daimler-Benz and SMH (maker of Swatch Watch) formed a joint venture; the car was called “Swatch Mobile”. The Swatch Mobile concept was based on Nicolas. (Chairman of SMH) conviction that consumers become emotionally attached to cars just as they do to. His vision was of high safety, ecology and a very consumer-friendly area to sit in. Like the Swatch, the Swatch Mobile was to be affordable and stylish. Nicola noted that safety would be a key selling point, declaring, “This car will have the crash security of a Mercedes. The car was to emit almost no pollutants due to its electric engine, and was to be capable of gasoline powered operations, using a highly efficient miniaturized engine. Nicolas further predicted that worldwide sales would reach 1 million in the U.S accounting for half the market. Shortly after the introduction, the joint venture between Swatch and Daimler-Benz ended Todate, “Scanev” has two criticisms; safety and price. Despite developments of crash safety, that „enables smaller cars to be just as safe as larger ones. During its first winter (2006) on the road, there were reports of several accidents. In response, the company developed “Trust Plus”, a software package that will cut power if the wheels start to slip. As for the price, it originally sold for US10, 500.After a period of disappointing sales in Italy and France, the price was reduced toUS9,300. Although the buyers of Smart car have high incomes, or already own two cars, they are concerned about the price-value relationship.
Using the case above, discuss how global strategies can be used in ensuring a sustainable competitive advantage
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