Web Site Review: Dura Automotive
We received a press release this week from DURA Automotive Systems regarding their Web globalization efforts. Here is an excerpt: With locations in more than 14 countries, Web-based communication transcending …
Business globalization
Starbucks in Strange Lands
The Wall Street Journal recently interviewed Starbucks CEO Orin Smith about the company’s experiences in new markets. I was impressed by Smith’s candor. Starbucks is learning the hard way what …
Localized Washing Machines
The Reveries Web site has an interesting piece on Whirlpool and its localization efforts in Latin America. Apparently the company has had great success in Brazil by creating a low-cost …
Coke’s Nativa Product Launch
According to this interesting Dow Jones article, Coke is recently launched a new beverage in Argentina that takes advantage of the local fondness for the yerba mate plant. Called Nativa, …
Most Global Countries
A.T. Kearney, Inc. and Foreign Policy magazine recently released their list of the top 20 most global countries. The survey takes a number of factors into account, such as politics, …
Bilingual Ads Arrive
The San Antonio Express-News has an article on the growing number of bilingual (English and Spanish) ads. Here’s an excerpt: There are “more Latinos in the United States than there …
Kola Real Takes on Coca-Cola
For anyone who says that globalization is a one-sided game in which American is always the winner, I submit Kola Real. Kola Real, known formally as Industrias Ananos, is giving …
Chinese Hoops
According to a recent press release, last year more than 15 NBA teams incorporated Asian American marketing efforts into their overall marketing plans. And the timing isn’t due just to …
eBay’s Global Plans
InternetNews featured a brief article on eBay’s expansion plans. It includes a great quote from an industry analyst: “Globalization is the next logical path for growth, they do have to …
Global Brands Don’t Always Start Out That Way
The executives at Wal-Mart may be accused (and guilty) of many bad things, but I have to give them credit for sucking up their pride when going global. This article …
General Motors Does it Again
The brain trust that is General Motors will have to rename its latest brand, the Buick LaCrosse for its Canadian market. According to this article in the Toronto Sun, GM …
I’m Loving It
McDonald’s has a new slogan “I’m Loving It.” I’m not fan of the slogan – and am not sure McDonald’s even needs a slogan any more — but I do …
Would You Like Fries With Your Greek Mac?
In 2001, the McDonald’s in Greece launched the “Greek Mac.” The Greek Mac consists of two burgers wrapped in a pita with yogurt sauce, tomato slices, iceberg lettuce and onions. …
Coca-Cola: Hecho en Mexico
Globalization is funny. Just when you think you’ve created a global brand, people start yearning for its “localness.” Take Coca-Cola. According to this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, expat Mexicans …
BMW & BYD: Separated at Birth?
I recently came across the Web site of BYD Automotive in China. Now I have to believe the lawyers at BMW are well aware of this logo, though I’m not …