local car brands

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 1 F inding the P o ssi b il ity of Cr eating a L ocal Car Brand f or M iddle I ncome Gr oup Uti li zing the Wor l dwide R ecognit i on of A utomob il e Designer L eepu Generated by Foxit PDF Creator © Foxit Software http://www.foxitsoftware. com For evaluation only.

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    Finding the Possibility of Creating a Local Car Brand for Middle Income Group Utilizing the Worldwide Recognition of Automobile Designer Leepu

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    Research Report on

    Finding the Possibility of Creating a Local Car Brand for Middle Income Group Utilizing the Worldwide Recognition of

    Automobile Designer Leepu

    D a t e o f S u b m i s s i o n : 2 7 t h A u g u s t 2 0 0 9

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    Table of Contents

    1.0 INTRODUCTION...1

    1.1The Inception of an Automobile Assembly Plant2

    1.2 Empowering People by bringing Economic Emancipation2

    1.3 Innovation into Perspective.3

    1.4 Contribution towards Social Progression.3

    1.5 Ecological Perspective and Poverty Alleviation Opportunities..3

    1.6 Uniqueness and Significance of the Study...3

    2.0 SUCCESS STORY..4

    3.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT...5

    4.0 BIG RESEARCH QUESTION5

    4.1 Sub Questions..6

    5.0 OBJECTION.7

    5.1 Broad Objective: ...7

    5.2 Specific Objectives:7

    6.0 SCOPE

    6.1 Source of Information:.8

    6.2 Types of Information:...8

    7.0 LIMITATIONS...8

    8.0 METHODOLOGY9

    9.0 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH.11

    9.1 Literature Review: ..11

    9.1.1 Specific Findings of the Secondary Research12

    9.2 Qualitative Research Findings: 13

    9.3 FGD with some Professionals Representing Middle Income Group.16

    10.0 CONCEPTUAL MODEL..17

    11. 0 HYPOTHESES 17

    11.1 Hypotheses: Case, Variable and Types.17

    12.0 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH...22

    12.1 Sampling Plan.22

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    12.2 Sample Characteristics.22

    12.3 Survey Instrument.23

    13.0 ANALYSIS/................................................................................25 13.1 Reliability Analysis:...25 13.2 Hypotheses Analysis.26

    14.0 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:74

    15.0 ACCEPTANCE MODEL...75

    16.0 CONCLUSION.77

    Appendix 1..78

    Appendix 2..79

    Appendix 3..82

    Reference.85

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    1.0 INTRODUCTION

    The essence of a brand new car, though being a commonly desired utility for almost all members

    of the middle income group of Bangladesh, is still perceived as an extravagance for them. People

    from this particular group do not typically possess the affordability of a brand new car which

    makes them more skeptical towards the opportunity of experiencing the spirit of ownership when

    they travel. In some cases, an individual or a family may have to sacrifice some of their basic

    needs if they wish to avail their own car. The presently prevailing culture regarding mode of

    transportation for most of our population circles around hired auto-vehicles or three-wheelers

    automotive or human driven, public transportations and in a handful of situations self-owned

    motorbikes. After a significant period of life dedicated to saving enough money to buy a self-

    owned car, they cannot opt for a brand new car; rather almost invariably they are compelled to be

    satisfied with a reconditioned vehicle, a car that has been used before. More than 90% of this

    nominal portion of the country, having own car or a family car, run a reconditioned car. Even in

    numerous instances, this minimal accomplishment is largely supported by assistance from

    different financial institutions imposing huge interest burden on them.

    1.1 The Inception of an Automobile Assembly Plant This research looks into the applicability as well as acceptability of one of the possible solutions

    addressing this insufficiency of the targeted middle income group. The research offers inception

    of a local car brand assuming the establishment of a brand new industry of car assembling in this

    country. As the title goes Identifying the acceptance of a local car brand for the middle

    income group of Bangladesh, it clearly defines the core issue, which is to find out the level of

    acceptability of a probable local car brand to the targeted middle income group who currently

    cannot meet the unbearable expense of acquiring a brand new car. While initiating the research,

    the researchers came across Mr. Nizamuddin Awlia Leepu, a Bangladeshi automobile designer,

    who has taken himself as well as the country to the international stage by acquiring a worldwide

    recognition and global response for his brilliant ideas and fascinating designs. Therefore, this

    research also incorporates finding the opportunities to utilize Leepus achievements relating with

    the basic purpose of the research which is described above. Subsequent discussion on the theme

    will elaborate on the contribution of the study towards economic emancipation of the people,

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    opportunities for innovation, social input, environmental protection, direct alleviation towards

    poverty alleviation and academic innovation.

    1.2 Empowering People by bringing Economic Emancipation

    This paper deals with the issue of enabling the middle income group to purchase brand new

    automobiles. It also aims to empower people by motivating them to avail a self-owned mode of

    transportation which is also beneficial for them from an economic point of view. In most of the

    cases, people of Bangladesh need to bear more than 120% extra of the original price of the car

    due to heavy taxation on car imports. The study considers price advantage of this new brand to

    be one of the most influential factors behind its anticipated success as its price will not include

    any kind of import duty at all which will enable the manufacturer to distribute cars at minimum

    25% less price. This price advantage will be attributed not only to the immense prospect of

    making people capable of purchasing brand new cars but also to generating a solution to address

    their budget constraints to meet basic requirements of living which obviously summarizes the

    potentiality of the project to generate economic freedom for the country people.

    1.3 Innovation into Perspective

    This research project is highly prospective towards bringing innovation into perspective to a

    large extent. Being one of a kind, the commencement of an automobile assembly plant will open

    up new horizon for the country with wide range of opportunities to innovate. The uniqueness of

    the proposal is beyond any doubt. The industry can explore the technological field of automobile

    designing. This project has enough prospects to be the innovative approach towards economic

    progression of the country as it will ensure enormous savings in foreign currency reserve. In the

    course of the implementation of the project we can arrange an innovative academic approach

    towards exploration of automobile genius of this country who will be groomed and trained by

    Leepu. Their involvement and contribution to this industry will noticeably bring positive

    changes. This project is collectively a whole new package of innovation and implementation of a

    project like this will encourage people to provide more novel initiatives bring further possible

    illustrations.

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    1.4 Contribution towards Social Progression

    A gigantic industry like automobile assembly plant will undoubtedly generate ample amount of

    employment opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled workforce which will positively

    contribute to the social up gradation of the whole nation through alleviating poverty and crime.

    Besides, as seen from the historical data of numerous instances, creation of a local car brand

    results to gradual increase of duty on imported cars which subsequently sway the interest of the

    customer base towards the local brand enhancing the uniformity of the society. For example, the

    Iranian local car brand Sapa is almost invariably the only car driven by the whole nation. The

    successful establishment of the proposed industry will be followed by development in investment

    from the foreign brands who will become interested to set up their own plant in that country

    making the society progress consequently.

    1.4 Ecological Perspective and Poverty Alleviation Opportunities

    During the qualitative research the researchers conducted a key informant interview with

    Nizamuddin Awlia Leepu, apparently who also has quite similar plans, the researchers

    successfully revealed his intention to bring environmental cautions into consideration. He plans

    to re-use the scrap materials taken from old damaged cars, which he has successfully done

    before. He is also studying on minimum carbon diffusion mechanisms for an automobile

    assembly plant and intends to apply those techniques if the proposed project is implemented.

    These aspects of the project raise no question about the concern on environmental protection. As

    stated earlier Leepu also has it in his mind that he will coordinate a professional training and

    development program for abundant skilled and semi-skilled human resources dedicated to

    automobile workshops in Bangladesh. This will profoundly be a large step towards poverty

    alleviation as the learners will be directly selected by Leepu to work for the Industry. This will

    be incorporated as an academic approach which is completely new and innovative and will

    contribute to a large extent to the development of vocational training and education.

    1.5 Uniqueness and Significance of the Study

    The concept of Peoples Car established successfully in several countries has projected ample

    opportunities for developing nations like Bangladesh. A number of developing nations are trying

    to capitalize on the numerous opportunities that surround the inception of a local automobile

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    industry. With a handful of progressive role models in hand, Philippines, Uganda, Vietnam and

    various other developing nations are extensively investing behind the establishment of this

    industry. The success of Proton (Malaysia), Maruti (India) and several other instances has

    contributed immensely towards their appearance as sound economies around the globe. Taking

    Uganda as an example of developing nation like Bangladesh, this research has identified some

    basic strategies undertaken by the Government of Uganda. They went into collaboration with

    Geely Motors to establish a similar set up and also providing huge facilities in the form of 300

    acres of free land, an initial investment of USD 10 Million, 10 years of tax holiday and a even a

    dedicated port only for this industry enabling people of Uganda to save a minimum of USD 5000

    per car purchased (Almost 33% of price of an imported car). Moreover, as countries like India

    and Malaysia are experiencing a overflow of automobile production compared to demand

    (almost three times in some cases), many automobile manufacturers will be interested to invest

    in a market like Bangladesh which has an annual demand of more than 10000 cars.

    The discussion elaborates the significance of establishment of a automobile assembling plant in

    Bangladesh which undeniably supports the issue raised through this research. A proper

    utilization of available resources for the proposed industry is expected to contribute positively

    towards further development of the nation in every possible aspects. This study will only cover

    the identification of acceptance level of a local car brand among the targeted middle income

    group which gives us the assurance about whether a local car brand will be successful to

    penetrate the automobile market of this nation.

    2.0 SUCCESS STORY

    "I do to cars what the fairy Godmother did to Cinderella before she went to the ball. Only, none

    of my vehicles will turn ugly again by midnight."

    The 35-year old Bangladeshi car whiz replied to a BBC correspondent from the depths of his

    garage while working on his Lamborghini. It is not every day that a Bangladeshi has a chance to

    be discovered but one name that was showcased on Discovery Channel was Nizamuddin

    Awlia Leepu. His unique designs were shown as well as appreciated at different auto shows

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    which took place all around the globe. Leepu had been working in automotive body design and

    building technology since 1988, when he spent seven years in California as a car mechanic. He

    came back to Bangladesh in 1998 and spent most of his time making new cars out of the bodies

    of old ones, probably his own adaptation of Pimp My Ride, a popular western car show.

    Leepu's fascination towards cars came about when he was a child and went to a car exhibition in

    Saudi Arabia. The maverick instantly fell in love with a Ferrari. When he grew up to realize that

    the price tag did not agree with his wallet, he told himself that he would some design himself a

    car just like a Ferrari. Unable to get the car out of his head, and unable to afford one, he learnt

    the fine arts of automobile designs by himself. In 1989, he made the Leemo-bil, his own version

    of his dream car the Lamborghini. He then went to create some look-a-likes of Ferraris. Car

    lovers in Bangladesh soon got interested in his designs and whenever someone wanted unique

    bodyworks to go over their dusty old car frame, everyone knew where to go to.

    Finally Leepu has got some recognition for his distinctive car-making venture not from the

    government; it came from a foreign TV channel. Discovery Channel proposed that he build two

    unique cars within a timeframe. The proposed deadline was set at eight weeks. The whole

    process was to be documented and aired on the Discovery Channel. Leepu got to work and the

    end results were two beautiful sports cars. This whole herculean job was done to perfection by

    him with a whole week to spare! Nevertheless, one has to give credit to Leepu for achieving

    something that hardly anyone in the world has -- building two cars in seven weeks, a feat which

    even shocked Bernie Fineman the veteran in the auto trade for nearly half-a-century and who

    has worked with Rolls Royce and Jaguar.

    Over the years he got really good at it, but it eventually struck him that he didn't want to fake it

    any more and that he "felt like a thief". He wanted to come up with his own designs, allowing his

    creative juices to flow. Leepu has established a association between his designs and nature. For

    Awila the end product isn't the most important thing. The actual creation of the piece itself, the

    construction process that turns scrap into a thing of beauty, is the reward.

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    3.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT

    The designs created by Leepu has worldwide acceptance; for the creation of a Bangladeshi

    automobile brand targeted towards the middle income group, whether Leepus recognition can

    accelerate the acceptability of the brand or not is unknown.

    4.0 BIG RESEARCH QUESTION

    Will Bangladeshi middle income level people purchase the car made in Bangladesh.

    4.1 Sub Questions

    1. What are the driving factors that achieve this success

    2. What type of car people are using right now.

    3. To what extent affiliation of a foreign established automobile brand can enhance the

    acceptance level of the local brand.

    4. Will the upper middle and mid-middle income groups substitute their preferences from

    more established foreign brands (Toyota) to a local brand.

    5. Can a local brand capture the potential lower middle income market with a cheaper, due

    to the tax advantage, yet reliable car.

    5.0 OBJECTIVES

    5.1 Broad Objective:

    To evaluate the possibilities of Bangladeshi middle income level people will purchase the car

    made in Bangladesh.

    5.2 Specific Objectives:

    1. To identify where a local car brand will stand competing with other established foreign

    brands

    2. To find out to what extent a local car brand can capture the potential lower income

    market with the price advantage.

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    3. To find out to what extent a local car brand can capture the potential lower income

    market with the price advantage.

    6.0 SCOPE

    The research tries to look into the initial stages of establishment of a local car brand and the

    preferences of the target market. The research looks into how much will the designers design

    can effect the buying decision of the target market and the factors that are needed to consider

    before designing a Bangladeshi Car Brand.

    6.1 Source of Information:

    1. Owners of Different Car Outlets in Dhaka

    2. Middle Income group based in Dhaka

    a. Public Service holder

    b. Private Service holder

    c. Self Employed

    3. BARVIDA (Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers & Distribution Association)

    6.2 Types of Information:

    1. Local brand acceptance.

    2. Durability concerns

    3. The extent of requirement of a stylish car

    4. Features required

    5. Priority features : price, feature, durability, style

    6. Brand features

    7. Concerns of the designer

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    7.0 LIMITATIONS

    a. The research survey was conducted mainly on the people from Dhaka of required

    income range. Buying preferences can be different for different for outside

    Dhaka.

    b. The research looks at initial preferences. Further research can take place in

    creation of a brand image for the local brand.

    8.0 METHODOLOGY

    This study assesses the utility of a local car brand to the middle income group of Bangladesh.

    The research is cross sectional by nature. At the first phase qualitative research was undertaken.

    This was covered through Secondary Literature Survey and Primary Qualitative Analysis. Two

    car retailers were interviewed as one had the experience of dealing mostly with corporate clients

    and the other having first hand experience of dealing directly with consumers. To assess the

    utility of cars, initially identifying the underlying factors of utility that consumers seek from an

    existing imported car is necessary. Thereby, matching with those features, additional different

    features, which came out from a potential consumer FGD, were tested at different scenarios. The

    FGD participants were of same age group but having different occupation. Thus varied

    perception of consumers came into scenario. To assess all those factors and utilities, a structured

    questionnaire was prepared to test the outcomes of the discussion. The questionnaire primarily

    found out the need of a car to the respondent. Thereby assessing the validity of the respondents,

    the utilities of a car is measured.

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    9.0 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

    9.1 Literature Review:

    Literature on car assembly plants or even on cars is a rarity at a national level. However

    Secondary data has been considered greatly from international publications.

    1. Bangladesh Bank import payments: The import payments made for importing cars over

    last 5 years.(Import payments Archive: (http://www.bangladesh-bank.org/)

    2. Import tariff rates: Adjusted tariff rates on the import of different parts and raw materials

    of automobile assembly of 2008. (Taxation Rate List: publication of National Board of

    Revenue (NBR) 2008)

    3. Case study of Proton: the establishment of the factory of Proton, required investments

    and backing of the government, human resource development.

    4. Geographical movement of new assembly factories and eleven assembly factors being

    established in India after 1990, when the government of the country focused on trade

    liberalizations and helped the process of foreign collaborationPublic Car Program(PCP)

    in Philippines where for basic car for the mass public with an under 1200 cc engine was

    introduced with a price ceiling

    5. Geely Collaboration with UGANDA: the Uganda government, the Chinese government

    and the car manufacturing company GEELY came under an agreement of setting up a

    assembly factory in Uganda which will make cars affordable at a range of US$ 10,000;

    US$5000 less than any car available in the market. The government has given away 300

    acre land to the company and also awarded a ten year tax holiday.

    6. Case Study of SAPA: the Irani car brand, locally named as peigan, which after its

    introduction has virtually entirely substituted its sedan car market of the country. Brand

    collaborations in India: India-foreign collaboration have created car brands specifically

    for Indian mass to make it more acceptable.e.g. Ford has created ford icon.

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    7. Vietnamese car market.( The Automobile Industry in Vietnam: Kenichi Ohno, Vietnam

    Development Forum)

    9.1.1 Specific Findings of the Secondary Research

    1. Assembly factories even enter market where

    they are producing more than the demand as because the south asian markets with its

    potential of economic growth should increase its market base in coming years. (Case of

    India)

    2. Government needs to provide substantial

    support for the initial establishments and also in accumulating funds. (Case of Proton)

    3. Government has to provide tax benefits, tax

    holidays and decreased import taxes on raw materials and heavily tax all imported

    vehicles. (Case of all assembly plants established after 1990)

    4. Taxation study of import tariff rates of car

    manufacturing sub units show that even if the factory has to import all the major sub units

    Figure: The Benefits of Proton in Malaysia

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    such as the engine and the chasis from outside, the car can still have a markup price of

    minimum 25% less than available cars of the same engine power.

    5. Bangladesh has an average light vehicle

    consumption of 10000 units and more making it very eligible to have its own car

    assembly plant given the economic growth of the country remains stable.

    6. Country looses over US$300 million of annually

    for importing cars and an assembly factory can work as the potential import substitution.

    7. Creation of a niche market is possible for lower

    mid income group who currently cannot afford a car because of high import taxes and

    avail public transport.

    9.2 Qualitative Research Findings:

    In the next phase the researchers conducted the primary qualitative research to identify the

    fundamental aspects which are expected to affect the inception of an assembly plant in

    Bangladesh. The findings from primary quail are elaborated below:

    Bangladeshi people have not yet experienced scientific aspects and technicalities (i.e.

    Aerodynamics) of automobile manufacturing which is a major drawback. A

    feasibility study needs to be undertaken as well.

    According to manage required financial back up and land for the huge project will not

    be less difficult than tackling the problems created surrounding the government

    legislation. A professional and dedicated government body needs to be made

    functional to monitor _______________.

    The most vital factor will be that the car has to be economic if it targets the middle

    income group.

    The authenticity and uniqueness of a modified car will be one of the most convincing

    features, Wow Factor as quoted from Leepu, in case of a locally made car.

    This industry has enough reasons to be called as a risky venture; as there will be

    questions raised regarding longevity, reliability and quality of a local brand , so these

    aspects needs to be addressed most carefully.

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    Leepu feels the need of more automobile engineers which he believes needs to be

    produced more. He agrees to train the skilled and semi-skilled manpower required for

    the functioning of the industry.

    The ultimate goal which Leepu considers to meet is to apply the concept of Peoples

    Car tailored in a way so that it attracts the automobile customer base of Bangladesh.

    9.3 FGD with some Professionals Representing Middle Income Group

    A focused group discussion with some young professionals, who represent middle income group

    provided the researchers adequate knowledge on the expectations from a local car brand. The

    almost one hour long session was attended by Mr. Rubaiyat Hasan Siraz (MNC Executive), Mr.

    Ruhul Amin (MNC Executive), Mr. Abhishik Paul (MNC Executive), Mr. Rubaiyyat Thakur

    Robin (Entrepreneur), Mr. Shakib Ahmed (Private Service Holder), Mr. Asif Newaz

    (Entrepreneur), Mr. Mostafizur Rahman (Private Service Holder) and Mr. Tarek Abdullah (MNC

    Executive). Findings from the FGD are listed below:

    When asked about the fundamental aspects which they find most significant while

    purchasing a car their response entailed-

    o Price o Brand o Design o Resell value o Fuel Efficiency o Engine Power o Origin o Serviceability o Availability of Spare Parts

    When asked about the preferred origin of a car most of them responded for Japanese and

    European Cars.

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    Most of the discussants agreed that their purchasing decision might get influenced when a

    local car is offered at 25% less price, although a few of them demanded further reduction

    (up to 40%).

    Most of the participants think price for a local car should not exceed BDT 6-7 lakh.

    While asked for the required features the following came forward:

    o Design o Fuel Efficiency o Built in CNG Engine o Easy availability of Spares o Price o Serviceability o Resell Value

    The required engine power was 1500cc for the most and they expect the engine to run

    more than 8 km/ltr.

    Most of the participants were willing to pay a marked up price for servicing as for

    originality but will not buy a local car if spares are costly.

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    10.0 CONCEPTUAL MODEL

    Leepus Success

    Establishment Local Car Brand

    Expected Features

    Acceptability of local brand

    Lower incomeniche

    Pricing

    Origin of the car Design Brand

    Resell Value

    Assurance of reliability Price

    Middle Income Group

    Transport Cost

    Affordability

    Switch to local brand

    Design acceptance

    Buying decision changing ratio

    Designing Local brand

    Transport Preference

    Feature Preference

    Origin Preference

    Design Preference

    Modification Preference

    Designer Effect

    Income Maintainability Preference

    Brand Preference

    Tax Advantage

    Transport Cost

    Pride Concerns

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    12.0 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

    12.1 Sampling Plan

    The research, at the quantitative analysis stage, utilized the non-probability sampling techniques.

    The basic survey method was door-to-door. Convenience and Snowball sampling techniques

    were used in this survey. The total duration of the survey was 3 days, starting from August 22,

    2009 to August 25, 2008. The total number of respondents approached was 57, out of which 50

    responded. All of the respondents are employed, either self or public/private. Each response was

    recorded, on an average, in 5 minutes. To consider the sample to be an adequate representation

    of the potential market, the sampling frame included respondents of each tire of middle income

    group and each occupation.

    12.2 Sample Characteristics

    The sample respondents included around 15% female and 85% male. The modal age bracket was

    28 37 years. Most of respondents were from Lower tire of the middle income group, who will

    be the prime beneficial of a Bangladeshi Peoples Car.

    12.3 Survey Instrument

    The survey questionnaire used as data collection instrument had in total 14 questions as well as

    the respondent,s profile. At the initial stage, the respondents replied their existing transportation

    scenario. Thereafter, the need of own car aroused and thus the respondents answered the next

    questions considering their own need. All these questions were focused to find out the prime

    utilities of a car and the impact on consumers of a local brand. A hypothetical scenario of price

    factor was considered by the respondents and thus the research cross examined the perceived

    utilities. The next section was only for the existing car owners to see whether they will switch to

    the local brand. The survey questionnaire was ended by extracting some sensitive issues like

    monthly income and age bracket.

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    RECOMMENDATIONS:

    1. There is positive small correlation between peoples necessity of having own car and

    their income level

    2. In terms of buying a new car, purchase decision is based upon (in descending order):

    a. Price

    b. Brand

    c. Engine Power

    d. Fuel Efficiency

    e. Resell Value

    f. Design

    g. Origin

    h. Serviceability

    i. Availability of Spares

    3. In terms of perception, Bangladeshi People prefer Japanese car most.

    4. If a Bangladeshi Brand comes into the market, it has to be very much price competitive.

    The respondents did not shift much from Japanese car even if the local one was running

    on a Japanese Engine. When price reduction is done, then only the responses can be

    shifted towards Bangladeshi Car

    5. The respondents believe Bangladeshi Cars will not be better than Chinese Origin and will

    at par with the Indian Ones.

    6. Pride Concern regarding the use of a Local Car Brand is very high among the

    respondents.

    7. Some segments of the people would buy local car brand due to the fact that it helps the

    national economy

    8. The Prime Threat for a Bangladeshi Brand to be established is the Assurance of

    Reliability. The other factors are listed in descending order:

    a. Existing Brand Preference

    b. Resell Value

    c. Origin

    d. Price

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    9. For a sustainable Bangladeshi Brand of automobile the following factors are needed to be

    considered according to the order:

    a. Fuel Efficiency

    b. Price

    c. Availability of Spares

    d. Built in CNG Engine

    e. Serviceability

    f. Design

    g. Resell value

    10. The expected engine power of a Bangladeshi car is 1500 cc

    11. People having own car now, would like to buy a local brand as their second car instead of

    replacing their existing imported one.

    12. Most of the respondents believe that the government should impose higher taxes on car

    imports in order to encourage the local car brand when it will be established.

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    ACCEPTANCE MODEL

    Figure: The Acceptance Model for Local Car Brand to the Middle Income Group of Bangladesh

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    CONCLUSION

    The country can get benefitted through the creation of a car brand and an assembly plant of its

    own. The demands required can be met up by one assembly factory and it can be financially

    feasible. The findings of the research include factors showing price to be the major determinant

    factor of a buying decision over other features and it has to be considered with importance.

    The model shows the inclination of the middle class group towards using a reliable car brand,

    and price is the factor which only supersedes and brings it under acceptability terms. Also the

    factors relating to pride concerns necessarily prove that nationalistic sentiments pervade within

    the segment and the brand attribute of the car has to have these features under consideration. The

    basic features demanded with a measurement of utility have been also shown attributing to the

    basic buildup features of the car.

    Although feasible, the actual establishment of a plant will need to look into factors of collecting

    capital, training skilled human resource, designing and innovation and most importantly

    governments role under consideration. These aspects can individually be looked into in depth.

    Considering the multiple socio-economic benefits Bangladesh can potentially receive from it

    with the flip side of saving huge losses of foreign exchange each year used to importing cars,

    Bangladesh should be walking towards creation of such an establishment.

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    Appendix 1

    Working Definition

    Working Definition: Middle Income Group Middle Income group consists of three segments of income group. Upper Middle: Individual earning a monthly income of BDT 100,000200,000 Mid-Middle: Individual earning a monthly income of BDT 60,000100,000 Lower-Middle: Individual earning a monthly income of BDT 20,00060,000 Acceptability The quantitative measurement of the number of people substituting their buying decisions

    between a choice of imported cars and a local brand considering the given variables of new

    pricing of cars.

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    Appendix 2

    Questionnaire

    Q u e s t i o n n a i r e

    Please Use [] Mark for the appropriate answer out of multiples * = Optional

    01. Is your monthly income in the range of BDT 20,000/- to BDT 200,000/-?

    YES NO

    02. Please Rank the following means of transport by which you travel the most? [1=Most Frequently, 7=Least Frequently]

    Rickshaw CNG Autorickshaw

    Bus Non A/C Taxi

    A/C Taxi

    Motorcycle Family Car/Own Car

    03. Being in your current status, you need to have your own/new car

    04. For your choice of a car please rank the following aspects according to your importance- [1=Most Important, 9=Least Important]

    a. Design b. Engine Power

    c. Origin d. Price e. Brand f. Serviceability g. Fuel Efficiency h. Resell value i. Availability of Spare Parts

    05. In terms of your preference of Origin of a car, please rank the following regions according to your perceived reliability- [1=Most Preferred, 7=Least Preferred]

    Sl. No.

    Strongly Disagree Disagree Indifferent Agree Strongly Agree

    This Questionnaire is Prepared as a part of a Research to Identify the Level of Acceptance of a Local Car Brand to the Middle Income Group of Bangladesh. This research is undertaken by few students of North South University (NSU). All the information provided here will be extremely confidential and will be used for Academic Purpose (This Research) Only. We request your kind assistance and hope to get valid information. Thank You!

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    Japan China Korea/Malaysia India Bangladesh Europe America

    06. If the Bangladeshi Car is running on a Japanese Engine which car you would prefer?

    Bangladeshi Car Japanese Car It Depends Indifferent

    07. Is using a car of your country a pride concern to you? 08. If you know that your country will be economically benefited if you buy a local car, will that affect your purchasing decision? 9. If you are buying a Bangladeshi Car, please rank the advantages you would look for- [1=Most Preferred, 7=Least Preferred]

    Design Fuel

    Efficiency

    Built in CNG

    Engine

    Easy Availability of

    Spares Price Serviceability

    Resell Value

    10. What should be the ideal engine power of a local car brand?

    1000 cc 1500 cc 1800 cc 2000 cc More than 2000

    cc 11. Considering the engine power you preferred in the last question, what should be the ideal fuel efficiency (with AC) for Leemobile?

    Less than 5 km/liter

    5 km/liter 6 km/liter 7 km/liter 8 km/liter 9 km/liter More than 9 km/liter

    12. Would you like to see the government imposing higher taxes on car import if a local brand

    Strongly Disagree Disagree Indifferent Agree Strongly Agree

    Strongly Disagree Disagree Indifferent Agree Strongly Agree

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    is established?

    YES NO Indifferent

    Please answer the following questions if you currently have your OWN car.

    13. Would you like to sell your existing car to buy a new local car? 14. Would you like to buy a local car as your second car?

    Respondent Profile:

    15. Name*:

    16. Gender: Male Female 38. Age: 17.

    18.Occupation: 19. Your Average Monthly Income (in the range of): [In BDT]

    YES NO

    YES NO

    18-27 28-37 38-47 48-57 57+

    Public Service Private Service Self Employed Unemployed

    Less Than 20,000

    20,000-59,999

    60,000-99,999

    100,000-149,999

    More Than 150,000

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    REFERENCES

    ASIAN AUTOMOTIVE NEWSLETTER Issue 45, December 2005 Bangladesh Bank (2005), Import payments Archive, http://www.bangladesh-bank.org/ CAR ASSEMBLY PLANT TO OPEN IN UGANDA, WHITAKER GROUP PUBLICATION WINTER 2007-08, Uganda%20Update%20WIN%2007-08.pdf Dato H.S.Z. Tahir (1992) Developing Human Capital at PROTON Humphrey J. THE GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY VALUE CHAIN, Institute of Development Studies, UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION Kenichi Ohno, The Automobile Industry in Vietnam, Vietnam Development Forum National Board of Revenue (NBR) (2008), Taxation Rate List Rafaelita A. Mercado-Aldaba, Micro Studies: Philippine Car Assembly Sector, DISCUSSION PAPER SERIES NO. 97-21, September 1997 Yuri SADOI, Skill Formation in Malaysia: The Case of Auto Parts Industry, Southeast Asian Studies, Vo1.36, No.3, December 1998

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