Boeing vs Airbus, Updated to End of 2022

The pandemic and a slow-motion global economic slowdown took a toll on both Boeing and Airbus as they tried to maintain momentum and steer a course for upward growth and profitability. Both have been racing to attract new orders and make deliveries of jets already ordered this year and looking ahead.

By the end of 2022, Airbus was still the international leader in aircraft planes. Airbus did lose some orders, but overall remained on course for the number one position in market share.

Boeing, meanwhile, is reportedly taking the long view and investing in technology to gain an edge by the end of this decade. In the interim, the aircraft firm will seek to at least hold onto a duopoly position.

The Pandemic's Impact on Business

Some of the big consulting firms are examining the past, present, and possible future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business world.

Here's what they are thinking right now, in mid-2021:

• McKinsey: Many countries will see higher GDP growth in 2021, with key consumer behavior trends (like shopping online for groceries) continuing into the future.
• PWC: Global businesses surveyed said their crisis response management needs to be improved. 
• KPMG: CEOs are using scenario planning to understand how vaccine shortages and timing might affect their personnel, key functional areas, and supply-chain management.
• BCG: Business leaders are looking at hybrid working models with lessons learned from pandemic operations, and finding ways to adapt more quickly to crisis situations. 

Toyota Reminds Apple to Think Decades in Future

Apple is reportedly planning an electric, self-driving car. Toyota, well aware of the challenges and opportunities in the global auto industry, warns Apple to "be prepared to deal with customers and various changes for some 40 years." 

In other words, cars are not like computers. Toyota sells tens of millions of cars every year, year after year. One of the world's most successful car manufacturers, Toyota maintains a long-term focus and plans strategy years in advance as it seeks to maintain momentum. Can Apple enter the automotive market and build sales there for the long run?

Changed Consumer Behavior Requires Changed Marketing During Pandemic

Consumers are changing their shopping habits during this pandemic year, and these changes in turn require changes in marketing approaches. According to The Drum:

Confronted with unfamiliar stores and shelves filled with less familiar product choices, there is a much bigger opportunity for them to abandon past favorites.

In other words, this is a very good marketing opportunity to encourage brand switching as consumers approach shopping differently than in prepandemic periods. 

Everyone, please stay safe.

Pandemic and Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic continues worldwide, with some nations and some U.S. states beginning to reopen their economies even as scientists pursue treatments and vaccines.

Interviewed by Bloomberg BusinessWeek in May of 2020, the CEO of Unilever says:

"Our company is guided by three deeply held beliefs: That brands with purpose grow, companies with purpose last, and people with purpose thrive. And we think that refrain is going to be even more relevant in a post-coronavirus world than in a pre-coronavirus world."

Alan Jope sees trends shaped by the pandemic that include an emphasis on hygiene, on staying safe at home, and on the "distance economy" which he indicates point to more in-home consumption and digital consumption.

Stay safe as this pandemic continues.

U.S. Businesses and Coronavirus

U.S. businesses are concerned about their employees, as well as about the impact that the international coronavirus outbreak may have on supply chains and customer behavior...and, ultimately, sales and profits.

MarketWatch has comments from dozens of these corporations here.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control provides "interim guidance" for businesses here.

Please stay safe.

Disney Plus Is Growing Fast

Not 90 days after Disney Plus debuted its streaming on-demand service, it has attracted nearly 29 million subscribers.

The service projects it will have more than 60 million subscribers worldwide by 2024.

With so many strong entertainment brands and franchises (Marvel, Pixar, etc.) available on Disney Plus, the streaming service has a powerful consumer appeal.

For more, see the Associated Press article here.

Merger will reshape automotive market

Fiat Chrysler merges with Peugeot

Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot finalized their 50-50 merger this week. The combined company expects to sell nearly 9 million vehicles every year, making it the world's 4th largest automaker by volume and 3rd largest by revenue.

Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot to Merge

If Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot complete their just-announced merger, the resulting firm will be the industry's fourth largest.

Read more about this merger here.

Business Roundtable: Corporations Should Benefit ALL Stakeholders

One of the most influential business groups in America, the Business Roundtable recently announced it supports the concept of redefining a corporation to benefit all stakeholders, not just shareholders.

This is a major shift away from the idea that profiting shareholders takes precedence over consideration of other stakeholders (employees, customers, vendors, and communities).

Read the entire announcement here.