Shortly after American auto giant Ford posted the biggest loss in its 103-year history, German car manufacturer BMW announced an increase of 5% in car sales for the year 2006. Total sales for 2006 stand at $63.3 billion, while the number of units sold worldwide jumped to 1.37 million. Although the company recorded a 17% increase in vehicle sales for its 3-Series model, sales of Minis fell by 6.2%. However, the year 2006 was the best in BMW's history, and the company expects to sell approximately 1.4 million vehicles in 2007.
Best Western promotes Renee Ryan to VP of Marketing
The Best Western International chain of hotels has promoted Renee Ryan to Vice President of Marketing. Earlier, Ryan served as Managing Director, Field Marketing, Internal Communications, and Consumer Marketing. As vice president, she will manage and execute marketing strategies for the company in addition to overseeing field-marketing and consumer-marketing programs. Prior to joining Best Western, Ryan handled marketing, sales, and revenue management for ARAMARK, a Philadelphia-based provider of managed services. Best Western International group was founded in 1946 and provides operational support to more than 4,000 hotels worldwide.
Terry Orosco appointed VP of Aktino's worldwide sales division
Irvine-based Aktino has appointed Terry Orosco to serve as the vice president of its worldwide sales division. Orosco, who is a U.S. Air Force veteran, brings with him 25 years of experience in sales management and business development. Prior to this appointment, he was with AudioCodes/Netrake; he has also worked for Sun Microsystems and Cisco Systems, among other companies. Aktino, which is aggressively expanding its sales reach, delivers innovative broadband services.
Reebok International Ltd. to be revived through increase in sneaker sales
A unit of Adidas AG, Reebok International Ltd. has decided to revive the brand by increasing its marketing expenditures to about 10% of its sales. The company also plans to promote sales of its sneakers through specialty chains and sporting goods stores. Adidas acquired the brand, whose sales had slowed, for $3.8 billion last year. Now it plans to launch a 25th anniversary edition of Reebok's Freestyle aerobics shoe. At the same time, it also plans to move away from selling in the $30 range at inexpensive retailers. With this new strategy in place, it hopes to reposition Reebok as a brand for suburban consumers of all ages.
Anheuser-Busch posts high quarterly profits and an increase in sales
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., maker of Budweiser and Bud Light, posted a high quarterly profit with a fourth-quarter net income of $0.25 per share; it posted a fourth-quarter net income of $0.19 per share at this time one year ago. Net sales for the quarter were $3.42 billion, compared to $3.37 billion a year back. The company also reported that net sales for 2006 increased by 4.5%. It has taken steps to ensure more participation in the import and craft sectors of the beer market, as well as in the energy-drink business through a distribution agreement with Hansen Beverage Company.
Gold Canyon to drive product sales with e-communications service
Gold Canyon—a firm that sells candles, scents, and other home décor items through its network of independent demonstrators—has chosen to implement the IMN Party PulseT e-communications service in order to boost sales and business prospects. This arrangement will enable the firm's demonstrators to stay closely connected with their clients by means of personalized e-newsletters made to appear as though they have been mailed by demonstrators. This will leave demonstrators with more time to concentrate on making sales while providing clients with information and updates on products. The firm hopes to generate more sales and inquiries through this initiative. IMN (iMakeNews, Inc.) is a Waltham, MA-based application service provider. The company delivers e-communications solutions such as HTML email, blogs, and micro-sites.
