INTERNAL Strengths Weaknesses
Product Specialized Hydraulic Surface Scissor Lift Above ground only
Leader in Safety
Easy access to mechanic
Movable
Wheel Alignment Turn Plates Limited product line
Easy installation and maintenance
5 year warranty
Protection of Intellectual Property
Promotion Trade Magazines and Trade Shows Catalog, not comparative and does not increase purchase intention
Price Indicates premium Quality and Safety 20% above competition
Distribution Good direct selling skills
Poor US wholesaler relationship and resulting in poor margins for US sales
Approval by large chains to sell to individual dealers limited reach in Canada with distributor
long lead time on gaining large chain approval
Target Market Automobile aftermarket: Big retailers in wheel alignment market ( 85% of Sales)
Owner of facility is not as aware as a mechanic would be of the benefits of the Camar lift, yet the owner would make the purchase decision.
Specialty car maintenance firms who specialize in wheel alignment
New-car dealers
Positioning The highest level of Quality and Safety available in a hydraulic scissor lifts with added maintenance and installation benefits. Very specialized approach may alienate potential segments such as general car maintenance facilities and universities or trade schools.
EXTERNAL Opportunities Threats
Industry Trends Surface market is larger than in ground, 79% of total lift sales Scissor lift is the least popular of lift designs from 1997-1999
Fluctuating Exchange rates, (btw .65 to .7)
Competitors: Only 4 Canadian Firms in Automotive lift market
By 1999 exports/imports of hoists were duty free
12 US competi ...