Internet and the Automobile Industry

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2000 in the subject Business economics - Trade and Distribution, grade: 1,1, Berlin School of Economics and Law (unbekannt), language: English, abstract: Inhaltsangabe:Abstract:§This study will examine the issues faced by today's automobile industry with a particular emphasis on the Internet and its effects on the new car sales structure. §In order to understand the significance of the Internet in regards to the automobile business it will look at developments and trends in both areas before bringing them together.§The analysis will commence with a general overview of the Internet and E-Commerce and their implications in today's business and society before studying the effects on markets and business models with a particular focus on the retail sector. It will then examine the current use of the Internet of auto manufacturers and consumers and will continue with the investigation of the automobile market and latest developments in auto retailing. In conclusion, the study will illustrate the possible E -strategy for automotive manufacturers before giving a future outlook.§Since most trends and developments have their origin in the United States the data and information available is predominantly concerning the North American market.§Inhaltsverzeichnis:Table of Contents:§Abstractii§Contentsiv§1.Introduction2§2.Internet & E-Commerce4§2.1The Internet5§2.2E-Commerce7§2.2.1Sales Information7§2.2.2Business-to-Business10§2.2.3Business-to-Consumer11§2.3E-Commerce becomes E-Business12§2.4The Internet and its Effects on Markets and Business14§2.5Effects on the Retail Business15§2.5.1The RRA - Methodology15§2.5.2The Value Chain of Retailing16§3.Current Internet Use of Car Companies18§3.1Business-to-Business18§3.2Business-to-Consumer20§4.The Consumer22§4.1Consumer attitude towards Internet23§4.2Internet Purchasing24§4.3Online Car Buyers25§5.Automobile Market27§5.1Overview27§5.2Obstacles in the Auto industry28§5.3Industry Consolidation30§5.4The Car Industry's Dilemma32§5.5Customer Orientation33§6.Auto Retailing34§6.1Traditional Brick-and-Mortar Dealerships35§6.1.1Issues Faced by Traditional Car Dealers36§6.1.2Car Dealer s Online Participation38§6.2Auto Superstores39§6.3Internet Car Brokers41§6.3.1Sites Drive Consumers to Showroom42§6.3.2Cutting Dealers Out43§6.4Dealers Face Difficult Future44§6.5The Effects on Automotive Companies45§7.Conclusion: E-Business Strategy for Auto Manufacturers47§7.1Internet Auto Commerce47§7.1.1Direct Selling49§7.1.2New Market Entry Method51§7.1.3Block Exemption52§7.2"E"-Selling becomes E-Business53§7.2.1Transforming the Way New Cars are Made53§7.2.2Dell Philosophy - Modular Strategy55§7.3Achieving Customer Orientation56§7.3.1Designing your Own Car56§7.3.2Customer Mining & Relationship Management57§8.Future Outlook59§Bibliographyi