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Last week turned into an unexpected masterclass on car design and customer preference—all thanks to a light-hearted conversation with a few close friends. What started as a casual chat about our favorite cars spiraled into something deeper, touching on personal taste, branding, and the marketing strategies that shape our choices.
Growing up, my dream car was a Mercedes-Benz. To me, it symbolized success, power, and class. Back then, Mercedes had already mastered the art of brand positioning—aligning their product with ambition and status. That’s the power of a good marketing strategy: making the product speak directly to the consumer’s deeper desires.
As time passed, my preference shifted. I leaned more toward performance and aesthetics, eventually getting a sports car. At that stage of life, speed and bold design felt more important than prestige. But these days, my aspirations have moved elsewhere, and cars aren’t high on the list. Still, I’m fascinated by how different car brands craft their identity—and I love a good conversation about it.
That’s how we ended up in a hilarious debate after one of my friends passionately declared his love for what he described as a “frog-shaped” car. We eventually figured out he meant the Nissan Juke. Naturally, we laughed—why that one?
But then he explained. He admired its uniqueness. He appreciated the bold curves, the quirky personality, and the fact that it didn’t try to look like every other car on the road. His admiration made us take a second look. That’s when it hit me—this is how powerful differentiation can be. Nissan didn’t build the Juke to please everyone—they built it for a specific type of buyer. That’s strategic segmentation and targeted branding in action.
He then asked a question that flipped the whole conversation: “What’s so special about the Cybertruck? Why are people rushing to buy it?”
We paused. Tesla’s Cybertruck, with its unapologetically futuristic design, is a complete disruption of traditional aesthetics. And that’s exactly why it works. Tesla didn’t just launch a truck—they launched a new category. Their strategy? Be bold. Be first. Be different. It’s classic blue ocean strategy: creating an uncontested market space and making the competition irrelevant.
Later, as we drove past a sleek Mazda, the same friend said, “Now that’s a beautiful car.”
And surprisingly, we all agreed.
Mazda has quietly but effectively repositioned itself over the past decade. Once seen as a budget brand, it now stands out for elegant design and craftsmanship. Their strategy, rooted in their Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy, has helped them shift public perception. It’s a textbook case of brand elevation through consistent messaging, product innovation, and design storytelling.
This entire discussion reminded me of an important truth: people don’t just buy products—they buy meaning, identity, and emotion. The car someone chooses says something about how they see themselves—or how they want to be seen. That’s why smart brands dig deep into consumer psychology, and design not just cars—but experiences.
And this, by the way, is one of the key lessons we emphasize at RentMyMBA when helping businesses craft effective marketing strategies. Whether you’re selling cars, skincare, or consultancy services, it always comes down to:
- Knowing your audience
- Positioning your product meaningfully
- Differentiating boldly
- Tapping into emotion
- And staying consistent in the story your brand tells
A Mercedes sells prestige. A Cybertruck sells rebellion. A Juke sells boldness. A Mazda sells elegance. And each of these strategies works—because they are clear, intentional, and deeply aligned with their audience.
So, what’s the best car? The one that speaks directly to you. And that’s exactly what the best marketing strategies do, too.
Ready to build a brand that truly speaks to your audience?
At RentMyMBA, we help businesses like yours develop powerful marketing strategies rooted in psychology, creativity, and smart positioning. Whether you’re launching a new product or repositioning an old one, let’s work together to craft a brand that drives results.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your free strategy session.
About the author
Dr. Jjuuko Derrick, is a pharmacist with a keen business acumen. Having dedicated much of his career to engaging with business owners and employees, he brings a unique blend of pharmaceutical expertise and business insight to the table. As an entrepreneur himself, he is passionately committed to leveraging his technical skills and entrepreneurial experience to foster the growth and development of multiple businesses. Driven by a mission to make a meaningful contribution to the business landscape, he stands ready to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive
