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奔驰被一头麋鹿撞翻后,如何转危为机?
Hu Xiu·2025-05-27 07:56

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the crisis faced by Mercedes-Benz during the launch of the A-Class in 1997, specifically focusing on the moose test incident and how the company turned the crisis into an opportunity for brand recovery and innovation [1]. Group 1: Background and Initial Challenges - The A-Class was launched on October 21, 1997, just three days after its European debut, when it faced a major crisis due to a rollover incident during a moose test conducted by a journalist [2][21]. - The development of the A-Class took four years, with total costs reaching $1.4 billion, including an 18-month marketing campaign costing $115 million [3][17]. - At the time, Mercedes-Benz held a 25% market share in the European luxury car market, facing competition from brands like BMW and Audi [5]. Group 2: Crisis Response and Initial Reactions - Following the rollover incident, the management team was caught off guard, as the A-Class had passed numerous tests prior to the incident [22][25]. - Initial public statements from the company downplayed the incident, which was perceived as arrogant and led to negative media coverage [29][32]. - The stock price of Daimler dropped from $77.18 to $68.50, a decline of over 11% during the crisis [46]. Group 3: Technical Analysis and Solutions - Engineers suggested that the rollover was due to extreme driving conditions and possibly incorrect tire usage during the test [39][40]. - The company proposed to install the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in all A-Class vehicles to enhance safety, which was a significant innovation at the time [59][67]. - A crisis management team was formed to address the situation, leading to a decision to recall 17,000 A-Class vehicles for modifications [68][70]. Group 4: Marketing and Brand Recovery - Mercedes-Benz launched a new advertising campaign focusing on the moose test, transforming it into a humorous narrative to regain public interest [94][100]. - The company invited journalists to test the modified A-Class, which resulted in positive feedback and helped restore confidence in the vehicle's safety [105][111]. - By February 1998, the A-Class had regained popularity, with pre-orders increasing to 120,000 units, surpassing the initial 100,000 orders [143][144]. Group 5: Long-term Impact and Lessons Learned - The crisis ultimately led to a reevaluation of crisis management strategies within Daimler, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and technical preparedness for future product launches [139][140]. - The A-Class became a commercial success post-crisis, highlighting the effectiveness of the company's recovery strategies and the resilience of the Mercedes-Benz brand [141][142].