United Kingdom-based Jaguar has found itself in a rather precarious situation. Once a renowned brand, it has been grappling with low sales and a decline in brand prestige. In response to this crisis, the company made a series of decisions that have left many scratching their heads.
"Jaguar's Journey from Prestige to Pandering"
Re-branding Gone Wrong
In recent years, Jaguar's relatively anonymous cars failed to attract well-to-do buyers. Instead of sticking to what worked, the marketing and product planning team decided on a full re-brand. They abandoned gas and hybrid cars, which are still the preferred choice for the majority of buyers, and announced a full transition to electric. This move aimed to move the brand further upmarket and attract an extremely wealthy client base. However, it seems they may have gone about it in the wrong way.The company's decision to release one of the worst commercials in advertising history only added to their woes. The ad featured bizarrely dressed people dancing around a couch, including an actor in women's clothing, clearly targeting a non-existent demographic. They also removed their iconic logo, replacing it with an uncreative modern typeface. People were quick to express their dislike, and it's clear that this ad was a major misstep.The "Type 00" Concept Car
The company's latest concept car, the "Type 00," is likely to be a flop. It fails to capture the essence of what Jaguar should be representing. While some may argue that it's a bold move, it seems to be a copy of other brands' designs and goes against the "quiet luxury" trend that buyers in this class are looking for. Jaguar should have focused on making the best car in their segment, competing with companies like Porsche, rather than trying to compete with Bentley and other top-end manufacturers without the necessary pedigree.The Impact of Woke Advertising
Jaguar's pride in touting their commitment to DEI while ignoring product quality has backfired. Their entire strategy makes no sense. By focusing on woke advertising instead of improving their products, they have damaged their reputation permanently. There is no actual new product to show for all their efforts, and the market is not responding positively.In conclusion, Jaguar's journey from a prestigious brand to one that is now the subject of ridicule is a cautionary tale. They need to re-evaluate their strategies and focus on what made them great in the first place - making exceptional cars.