Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Design

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When it comes to luxury cars there has always been something pretty special about Ferrari. That Italian stallion badge, the color red, the absolute raw power of the engine, and the mindblowing driving experience really is something to behold. They have been directly responsible for some of the most iconic cars over the last few decades and trying to narrow it down to five of the best is a more difficult task than it seems, but these are the five that have ultimately been selected.

1. 1945 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta

1945 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta

If you have never seen this model before, then best you go and check it out as it is gorgeous. There were only ever 25 of them made and it is regarded as one of the models that really set the entire company on their way. The car has a v12 engine and generates 160 horsepower. When it comes to performance it is still one of the best cars they have ever made. The car is simple, straightforward, but just screams out Italian elegance. However, forget about ever being able to own one as the chances are that you will never actually set eyes on one.

2. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

When it comes to an iconic car, then is there one that can possibly beat the 250 GTO? This is the version that all serious collectors want and you can understand why when you check it out, and especially if you can ever drive one. It is a real two seater racing car that made such an impact at the time and continues to do so decades later and that is why people pay tens of millions of dollars to own one.

The car itself is a beast. It is a v12 with 300 horsepower, but boy does it know how to deliver that power. The way it looks is also going to catch your eye as it just screams out power and it also tells you something very important regards reliability when you discover that every single one of the 36 cars that were built between 1962 and 64 are still being driven around today.

3. 1957Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

1957Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

The Testa Rossa name has to be one of the most recognisable in the history of Ferrari. Kids of various generations have grown up with the latest version on a poster on their walls, and this 1957 version was no different. This is the kind of car that does not just grow on you, but instead it announces itself to you with great fanfare and you instantly fall in love.

This model can only be described as super curvy and you can understand why when you set eyes on it. The style of this model makes you feel as if the designer was being rather exuberant when drawing the lines, but it does give it a certain sense of flair that is second to none. However, it does not end there. It was a race car that won Le Mans and it is now regarded as being the second most expensive type of Ferrari that money can buy. If you are interested, then best not to expect much change out of $20 million for one in good shape.

4. Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder.

Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder

There were only ever 50 of this model ever made and you can guarantee that each one is an absolute prized possession. The best versions have the long wheelbase and the entire car was specifically designed for the American market, hence the California name. This car is just amazingly beautiful to look at and you just know that driving this Ferrari would be one if the best experiences of your life. This is a Ferrari that is not only made to be driven, but to be stared at and loved and with it getting up to 60mph in only 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 145mph, it just shows how advanced they were back in1958.

5. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta.

1962 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta.

This model may not be as well known as some of the others over the decades, but that is a tragedy because the car itself is simply gorgeous. While soft top versions from the 60s are always more sought after, this hard top version will always be capable of turning heads. This model was never intended for speed or racing, but clearly it knew how to move, and instead Ferrari focused more on the luxury side of things whilst still maintaining a high level of performance.

The car still had a v12 engine and 250 horsepower with a top speed of 149 mph, so it was hardly a slouch. The fact that Steve McQueen also had one does also mean that its coolness factor goes through the roof and you can imagine how much that car would cost to own.

There are just so many different models out there to choose from over the decades that trying to narrow it down to five was tough. The one thing that remained constant was the elegance and majestic beauty of each model and that is something that still applies today. With this approach to styling as well as a real eye for performance, is it any wonder that Ferrari are still held in such high regard today?

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Being an entrepreneur is not easy. You need to have some tools at hand to make your life seamless and to operate efficiently in order to achieve your expected success. When it comes to technology, an entrepreneur must embrace tech apps that are relevant to the business. The apps must also be easy to use and effective in their capacity to make an entrepreneur’s life easier.

The following apps meet the criteria above:

  1. Winstreak

Winstreak is an application that is used to establish habits that are conducive to the success of the business. It is a free app that is available in Apple Inc.’s iTunes Store. Winstreak shows the successes that a business has experienced and helps to motivate people to want to continue doing those habits that aided in making the success a reality. This is an app that can help an entrepreneur’s staff to gather momentum and enthusiasm from the success of their work and to seek to do more.

  1. DropBoxDropbox

In an age where transfer of large data has a lot of requirements, an app like DropBox resolves any issue that an entrepreneur might have. Sometimes you might want to send large files such as multimedia and it might not work because most emails don’t allow attachments of very large files. This is where DropBox comes in. DropBox allows you to send large files to a recipient in any part of the world as long as they have installed the app on their computer. Even if you don’t intend on sending files to a recipient, you can just store all of your business files in the DropBox storage and access them from anywhere using your password. It is very convenient. There is also a DropBox app available for your Android or iOS smartphone.

  1. Evernote

Evernote is one of the best inventions of recent years. It’s an app that allows an entrepreneur to edit and save written and audio notes, and share files. Evernote also gives you the luxury of bookmarking website content that you would like to read later and access it when it is convenient for you. All the data stored on Evernote can be synced to all your tablet and smartphone devices at just the touch of a button. You can save all your thoughts and ideas, as well as multimedia files.

  1. Gmail Offlinegmail-offline

Google developed a very helpful tool for entrepreneurs to access their emails without having to connect to the internet. They can read all the received emails at their own pace without worrying about internet data bundles. You can also reply to the emails. It is very convenient to an entrepreneur as it can be used anywhere. 

  1. Hootsuite

People love Hootsuite because it simplifies their social media interactions. Hootsuite is a social media manager for all your social media accounts.

  1. Skype

Skype allows you to chat via text, audio or via video with anyone in any part of the world. It is an application that is very easy to use. All their data and premium options are affordable and you can make free Skype phone calls to anyone who has installed the Skype app. In the long-term, as an entrepreneur, you will discover that you have saved a lot of money on phone charges.

  1. Trillian

Just like Hootsuite focuses on social media platforms, Trillian focuses on instant messaging apps. Trillian allows you to access all your IM clients and log in to all of them at once. From then, you can send messages to every customer’s favourite IM chat client just from the Trillian app.

  1. Flow Dockflowdock

Flow Dock is an app that allows you to keep track of team communications and ensure your employees are in connected to one another. The app allows employees to send files, chat with each other and even read emails meant for the entire team.

  1. Lookout Mobile Security app

Lookout is a mobile phone application used to secure sensitive company data that might be lost if the mobile device was hacked or stolen. It protects your network and therefore you will not be susceptible to identity thieves when you are browsing the web from your mobile device.

All these apps will give an entrepreneur a leg up in the business dealings. It is important to take applications that are convenient and apps that will improve efficiency.

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The automotive industry took a huge hit during the recession but it has continued growing strongly over the last couple of years. Some brands have merged or sold to other companies, while others have a bleak future ahead of them. Nevertheless, there are car brands which have stood the test of time and continued delivering quality vehicles to the auto-market.

As in any other industry, the car industry needs its top players to find innovative and efficient ways of bringing their products to the market. Thus, all the car brands need to establish reliable marketing strategies in order to stand head and shoulders above their competitors.

Companies like Ford have struggled in recent years, losing millions of dollars due to decreasing sales of their vehicles. That’s not to say that their vehicles are of low quality. The Consumer Report’s Car Brand Perception Survey released this year indicates that Ford is still highly ranked by customers at number two on the list behind Toyota. It is therefore their sales and marketing strategy which needs to be resolved.

The following car brands have managed to work out their marketing strategies and establish frameworks for successful sales of their vehicles. They have made millions of dollars in the last couple of years because their marketing techniques have made an impression on their customers:

  1. Mercedes-Benz

It comes as no surprise that Mercedes-Benz is in a list of top car brands. Even in 2013, Mercedes was in the top 3 list of cars in terms of brand value. Mercedes is in the luxury brand segment and therefore markets itself in terms of quality, comfort, experience, and status. Its marketing slogan is enough to make you interested in their brand. It is “The Best or Nothing”. It is a simple message with a great impact. Mercedes has used a multimedia marketing strategy to ensure they engage with their customers on all media platforms and build long-term relationships.

Concept Style Coupe

  1. Audi

Audi markets itself as both a luxury brand and as a reliable brand for middle income users. All its vehicles have a premium feel and give prestige to their brand. In 2008, Audi was honoured by BBDO Consulting for being “the best market-oriented” car brand. Every consumer can relate to a company whose focus is entirely on making sure they get value for their money.

Audi is famed for its reliability, quality materials, innovation and fuel economy. They use a program, the Audi Experience, to engage their consumers and find out what car solutions the market needs. That is a great marketing technique. Audi’s innovation is also mentioned in marketing campaigns such as “Keeping Ahead through Technology”.

audi

  1. Toyota

Toyota has been one of the most known brands in the world for many years. Everywhere you look on the road, you are bound to see a Toyota passing by. Toyota markets itself as a brand for the people. They have different cars in order to meet the needs of their different consumers. If you want a big car you can get one. If you want a small car, they have one.

Their integrated marketing campaigns have ensured that Toyota is ranked as number one on the Consumer Report’s Car Brand Perception Survey. Toyota also ranks highly in terms of quality and reliability. It is also the best-selling car brand of 2014. Their marketing strategy targets the Millenials with the message “Elevate” your life with Toyota. Their best message has to be this tagline: “Today Tomorrow Toyota”. You simply cannot deny Toyota’s relevance and reliability.

toyota

  1. BMW

Car brands such as Honda might feel aggrieved at not making the list despite their recent performances over the years. Honda is ranked highly among consumers. Nevertheless, BMW takes its slot due to its marketing campaign strategies. Despite a lot of competition from Audi, Mercedes and Chrysler, BMW has managed to continue selling lots of cars. Ad campaigns such as the ConnectedDrive whereby a smartphone is integrated with the BMW and the ad message that “Joy is BMW” are simple examples of how a company can engage its target market and make them loyal. After all, who doesn’t want joy in their lives?

These four car brands have managed to use effective marketing techniques to engage their market on any media platform and to ensure they build consumer loyalty. As long as consumers identify with your car brand, you do not have to worry about where they will spend their money when it relates to their vehicles.

bmw