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DRAG Bicycles Business Case
MARK 4700 Professor Nikolov
Lindsey Harris, Melissa McDonald, Brooke Nicoletti, Averi Lienemann December 4, 2015
Background
DRAG Bicycles is excited about the opportunity to expand and enter a new country. We
considered several different factors when deciding which country to enter, as entering a new
country, demographic, and lifestyle is an important step for our business. Every facet of the
market including the target market, how the market can be segmented, the competition and
their pricing strategies, how to position the product and how communicate the value proposition
was analyzed prior to selecting a country for DRAG to enter. Over the past several years we
have seen not only an increase in the sales of our products, but an overall increase in bike usage
around Europe. From businessmen and women who regularly bike to work, or amateur bikers
who compete in races, the number of bikers in this part of the world is increasing by the day.
One country in particular who has seen growth in bike usage and, according to our analysis, will
be a successful country to enter is Germany. We have developed a marketing plan that will allow
DRAG to enter Germany and gain market share as the bicycle market in Germany continues to
see rapid and sustained growth.
First, we consider DRAG’s current position in the bike market, its comparative advantage
and its current market segments. Then, we analyze the selected market of entry: Germany. In
particular, we consider segmentation, targeting and positioning. Finally, we provide specific
recommendations for DRAG’s market entry into the German bike market including type and
mode of entry, product management, pricing suggestions and a proposed marketing campaign to
launch upon entry.
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Internal Analysis of DRAG Bicycles
Performance
As of late 2015, DRAG Bicycles was estimated to hold about 40% of the market share in
the mid to top quality bicycles range of the Bulgarian market. In addition to home market
domination, DRAG has enjoyed some expansion into foreign markets such as UAE and Turkey.
DRAG Bicycles has also equipped national bike teams from Ukraine, Lithuania and Korea.
Currently, 60% of DRAG’s products are exported to the EU countries. This growing
international recognition allows DRAG Bicycles the opportunity to expand further into foreign
markets.
Comparative Advantage
We believe that DRAG’s comparative advantage would be to emphasize the quality of its
bicycles. By offering topoftheline technology when it comes to its products, DRAG Bicycles
customers trust they are getting the best quality. On top of the reliable quality, DRAG also
provides competitive and affordable pricing as well as a wide range of makes for multiple
different uses. DRAG bikes are durable for all activities from recreation, commuting, and
competitive racing. There are over 60 different models to choose from to fit every lifestyle. From
racing on the road, to taking on mountains, and even riding through the city streets, DRAG is
designed to enhance all riders’ experiences from around the world and meet their biking needs.
DRAG Bicycles’ products are built to last. Each bike frame purchase includes a lifetime
warranty, with exclusions, so riders can depend on the reliability and and trust that DRAG puts
into its products. The great work that is instilled in each bike is reflected in the quality
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guaranteed to each customer. DRAG believes that each bike is made with such care and
precision that the value customers receive for such a bike is unmatched.
Current Market Segments
DRAG currently offers a wide variety of models for all types of riders. We aim to satisfy
all types of bikers from kids and weekend recreation to top range competitors. Even though we
want to reach all types of people, two of our main target markets are mountain bikers and road
racers. DRAG makes 40 types of bikes specifically for mountain bike riders. Mountain bikes
make up the greatest portion of bikes that DRAG designs and develops. This number is so large
due to the terrain that is much of Bulgaria. It is mostly a mountainous region, especially through
the more heavily populated areas. Road racing bikes make up the second largest number of bikes
that DRAG makes. DRAG manufactures over 19 different road bikes. DRAG puts much
emphasis on catering to the road racer in Bulgaria because their purchases make up nearly a
fourth of DRAG’s business. The types of bikes road racers buy are multipurpose because they
can be used for personal recreation in their free time as well as competitive racing.
External Analysis of German Bike Market
German Bike Market
To analyze Germany’s market attractiveness for DRAG Bicycles, we chose two primary
categories: economic criteria and demand criteria (competitor analysis will be discussed later in
this report). We believe it is important for any company looking to enter a new market to
research first if the targeted market’s economy can support their product. Then they can evaluate
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what the predicted demand for the product will be and decide if the market in question is worth
entering per an economic standpoint.
For the first category, economic criteria, we recorded information regarding overall
country GDP and average per capita income. Germany is currently ranked fourth highest in per
capita GDP. This statistic tells us how wealthy the country is as a whole. Many different market
segments in Germany will be able to afford the luxury bikes that DRAG sells.
For the second category, demand criteria, we considered three subcategories: number of
bike users, number of bike sales, and money spent on bikes per year. Together, these three
criteria tell us what type of demand for bicycles we can expect from Germany and how lucrative
the bike business is currently. There are about 62,000,000 bikers in Germany (about 76% of the
population). The average cost of a bike in Germany is $596. In 2014, Germany spent $6.5
billion on bikes. These statistics tell us that bikes are in high demand in Germany, whichwhen
considered alongside Germany’s promising per capita GDP standingprovides sufficient
evidence to suggest that Germany is a promising market for DRAG to enter.
Segmentation and Target Markets
As DRAG enters the German market, we propose DRAG target urban commuters as one
market segment. Germans are already more likely to bike to work than people in other countries,
and we feel as though DRAG can serve this urban commuter demographic well. Those who
choose to bike to work are looking for a quality bike that is reliable and affordable. The price of
the bikes will be reasonable in terms of the quality of the product, as DRAG offers a very sturdy
and stylish bicycle for a price that the average working German can afford. Although DRAG will
target new customers and consumers that do not already own bikes, we also want to serve
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Germans who need new parts or services for the bikes they already own. We want to establish
ourselves as a brand who cares about our customers and can provide them with everything they
need to have the best bike experience. The target market of urban commuters needs to know that
their bike can be trusted to get them to and from the workplace safely each day of the week, and
that DRAG is able to provide them that guarantee.
In addition to targeting the urban commuter, DRAG will also focus on serving the
amateur biker demographic. A large number of Germans participate in bike races, and DRAG
wants to provide those consumers with quality bikes that will help them be the best performers in
their sport. Just as we want to make a quality bike for urban commuters, we also want to ensure
that amateur bike racers have a reliable product to enhance their performance. These two
different demographics will complement each other in terms of the services that DRAG can
provide. From bike parts to entire bicycles, DRAG can meet the needs of the consumers in each
of these demographics.
Competition
One of the major threats to DRAG entering the German market is the already present
competition. The bicycle industry in Germany is growing very rapidly, giving DRAG an
opportunity to take some market share. But it is very important for DRAG to be cognizant of its
competition.
According to ZIV, Bulgaria is already responsible for 9% of bicycle imports to Germany
and the rest of the imports come from a wide variety of Asian and European countries. This
indicates that German consumers aren’t particularly nationalistic when it comes purchasing
bikes, a plus for DRAG Bicycles.
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In Germany, there are 5,172 bike retailers. Germany also has several major national
brands such as Derby Cycle and Diamant (owned by Trek). Derby Cycle is largest bicycle
manufacturer in Germany measured by revenue and thus is considered one of DRAG’s main
competitors. Other major nonGerman brands include Trek and Cannondale. Derby, Trek, and
Cannondale all have many subbrands, indicating that they can meet the needs of a wide variety
of consumers including both urban consumers and amateur racers.
Bases for Recommendations
DRAG’s entrance into the German market, and our further recommendations are based
on our internal analysis of DRAG and our external analysis of the German bike market.
In our internal analysis we identified the strengths and weaknesses of DRAG bikes.
DRAG’s strengths include: a large market share of Bulgarian bike market, high quality
recreational and racing bikes, a wide variety with over 60 different models of bikes to choose
from, and a strong brand image. DRAG’s weaknesses are higher price points compared to
average bicycle cost and limited consumer awareness of the brand.
Our external analysis presented the opportunities and threats of entering the German bike
market. The external analysis we conducted covered the current German bike market, current
segments and targets, and competitors. The opportunities for DRAG are high demand for quality
bikes and willingness of consumers to pay higher prices. The threats to DRAG’s entrance into
Germany is a bike market saturated with German competitors, such as Derby Cycle and
Diamant.
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Recommendations
Type and Mode of Entry
After conducting an analysis of the German market we concluded that DRAG’s mode of
entry should be direct exporting and foreign direct investment. Both Bulgaria and Germany are
members of the European Union, which establishes the “free movement of people, goods,
services, and capital” between member countries. The EU greatly diminishes any barriers to
entry for DRAG and makes exporting and FDI much more accessible and efficient. As Germany
and Bulgaria exist in relative proximity (about 20 hour by car), we believe exporting bikes and
bike parts to Germany would be more cost efficient and feasible than establishing a bike
manufacturing plant in Germany. We also recommend that DRAG directly invest in the German
market by building retail locations to display and sell DRAG bikes. Although FDI can require
more knowledge of the language and culture of the foreign country, we do not foresee this being
a problem for DRAG. Bulgaria has many German speakers, so fulfilling any translation needs
and allowing for the adaptation of marketing communications should be easily doable. FDI gives
DRAG greater control over its marketing communications, as well as their personal selling and
customer relationship management procedures, which are all imperative to a company who is
entering a new market and wishes to establish a consistent brand image.
Product Management
Given that the consumer needs and conditions of use are comparable in both the
Bulgarian and German markets, we recommend utilizing a product and communications
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extension approach when entering the German market. Maintaining DRAG’s two primary target
markets, the urban commuter and the amateur biker, will allow DRAG to save money regarding
product management (since DRAG already produces multiple bike models to serve these
particular needs) and preserve a solidified brand image. Because we have chosen to use an
exporting and FDI approach to market entry, our supply chain strategy will need only minimal
modification. We plan to export bike parts to retail locations in Germany, and bike assembly will
occur in the back rooms of the retail locations. All exporting will be done via trucks given the
relatively close proximity of Germany to Bulgaria.
Pricing Strategy
For DRAG’s pricing strategy, we would like to enter the German market with prices set a
level that both our primary target segments can afford. As DRAG is entering a market with that
is already well served by several German competitors, DRAG must ensure that customers are
willing and able to pay the prices it establishes. This means DRAG should not charge more than
its German competitors, but also enough to convey quality and to make a profit.
ZIV, or Germany’s Association for TwoWheeled Vehicles, stated that 22% of bicycles
sold in 2014 were urban/city bicycles, which is one of DRAG’s main target segments. DRAG
can serve urban commuters well with over 20 types of bicycles and Ebikes specifically designed
for urban and road use. These bicycles currently range in price from €329 for the simplest design
to €2,500 for a more luxury Ebike. According to the Confederation of the European Bicycle
Industry, in 2014 the average price of bicycles sold in Germany was €528. While DRAG has
commuting bicycles at prices both above and below this average, the majority of DRAG’s
bicycles are well above this price. We would recommend temporarily lowering the prices slightly
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during initial market entry stages or offering discounts. This will allow DRAG to gain market
share in order to establish itself as a competitor in the bike selling industry. In the long run we
believe DRAG will be able to revert to its current prices and charge more than this average for
many models since they provide unbeatable quality.
For DRAG’s second segment, amateur bikers looking for a highquality bike for racing
events, DRAG has five to seven bikes that could satisfy these customers. ZIV stated that only 4%
of bicycles sold in 2014 were for racing but these bicycles are much more expensive and are an
area of comparative advantage for DRAG. DRAG Bicycles is known to have supplied many
racing champions with their bicycles and we believe that customers who desire to race are
willing to pay much more than for bicycles simply for transportation. With this in consideration,
DRAG has currently priced its racing bike at anywhere from €800 to €6,000+ so we believe as
long as DRAG communicates its very high level quality and past success with national racing
teams, it will be able to continue charging these prices and return a profit.
Advertising and Promotion
In order to positively brand DRAG, we have developed a marketing campaign that
combines DRAG Bicycles’ passion for quality products and stellar customer service. The
umbrella idea for this campaign is “Only the best for you.” What this campaign aims to convey
to the public is how important DRAG’s customers are to the company and the level of quality
DRAG provides its customer in return for their service. To spread the word of this suggested
campaign, we have selected three primary channels we believe will be most effective in reaching
our target markets: television, print and social media.
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For the TV commercial, we envision showing the lifespan, so to speak, of the bike. The
camera would begin focusing on the wheel of the bike and stay focused on the wheel as it moved
down a manoperated assembly line. The camera would continue panning with the wheel as the
bike is assembled. The bike would continue moving through the assembly line until fully
assembled. The last worker in the assembly line would then take the completely assembled bike
from a moving belt and place it directly outside where a customer would be waiting. This
customer would then immediately mount the bike and drive away. The only face we would show
during the commercial is the face of the customer. We could adapt the customer and make
different versions of the commercial in order to directly target our different market segments. For
example, one of the versions of our commercials would end with a businessman dressed for work
riding away on the bike. This version would directly target the urban commuter customer
segment. The second version of the commercial could use a man or woman dressed for a bike
race riding away on the bike. This version of the commercial would appeal to our second
customer segment: the amateur bikers.
Translating this idea to print ad would be an easy adaptation. In order to maintain
consistency within the campaign across all supporting channels, we want to keep the same look
and feel as the TV commercial. Our suggestion would be to have a graphic that shows a picture
of a bike facing to the right. The background of the print would be split exactly down the middle.
The background area to the left of the split would show a factory assembly line that mimics the
beginning half of the TV commercial. The background to the right of the split would have two
versions. The first version would be a generic bikerfriendly road, typical of roads taken during
morning commutes to work. This background will target the urban commuter customer segment.
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The second version of the print ad would display a bike trail as the background to the right of the
split. This version will target the amateur biker customer segment. The words “Only the best for
you” would read across the top with the hashtag #onlythebest located at the bottom righthand
corner.
This hashtag would translate directly to our social media campaign. On social media, we
propose to put most of our efforts towards Twitter and Instagram. The social media component
of our marketing campaign proposal will bring a level of interactivity the other platforms cannot
provide. Using social media and the hashtag #onlythebest we would ask DRAG bicycle
customers to posts pictures and videos of their DRAG bikes. They can even share how their
DRAG bicycle allows them to be their best using the hashtag #onlythebest. For example, if an
amateur bike racer just broke his or her personal best time on her new DRAG bike, he or she
would post about this accomplishment and use the hashtag #onlythebest. This shareable
campaign will increase customer engagement and help spread the word about DRAG Bicycles
and the marketing campaign. Additionally, we propose to post digital versions of the print ads to
the aforementioned social media platforms. This will further solidify the consistent look and feel
of our proposed channel adaptations to our marketing plan.
DRAG Bicycles is looking forward to this next step in our future. Germany should be a
good first step in expanding as a company and emerging as a global brand. We will review our
success at the end of the year, and continue to research and plan as we enter more markets in
Europe.
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Graphs and Charts
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