What is the current primary marketing media option in Gulf region for Automotive brands?

Both BTL and ATL.

 

Mostly i have seen road side bill boards in peak locations, Electronic media also plays a vital role.

For a market known for its love of cars, cheap fuel and limited public transportation, the Gulf region’s automotive sector has been driving through something of a rough patch over the last year. As consultancy Frost & Sullivan notes, 2016 was difficult for sellers across virtually all countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council as double-digit declines in new vehicle sales, overstocking of parts by distributors and a lack of clarity for the near future all weighed on the market. And this feeling only continued into the first half of 2017 when many hoped the worst was over. “Unfortunately, the market has not yet reached the point of balance. Even though we expected the market to start recovering only by the end of 2017, continuing sales drops seem to be following a pessimistic scenario in H12017,” says Vitali Bielski, senior consultant, mobility practice – MENA at consultancy Frost & Sullivan. Most markets were down more than 20 per cent in the first four months of the year, according to Bielski, with other sources painting an even worse picture for automotive companies operating in the region. In a recent report, Autodata Middle East said GCC new car sales were down 30 per cent in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year with the heaviest losses seen in Bahrain (41 per cent), Saudi Arabia (38 per cent) and the UAE (28 per cent). The first quarter decline followed a 27 per cent dip in new car sales in 2016, according to the firm. “We have already seen job cuts across the industry at all levels,” says Ian Batey, general manager at Autodata Middle East.

best quality at lowest price and better services

TTL mixture of above the line and below the line marketing.

a) Road tests & drives that can give "product experience" - This is required to for a touch and feel experience

b) Outdoor media (depends on budget availability)

c) Deployment of fleet team to reach TA.

d) Social media to create & maintain a positive buzz

 

Finally, marketing plan is dependent on two important variables "product & market"

 

 

 

Print and digital media for branding and directing media channels ( SMS) for increasing footfall in the showrooms. This mix works the best for Automotive in the region.

The primary marketing media option would be through print and internet ,since the internet usage is increasing very much and fast !

classifieds ads through digital and print form would be a good choice in gulf region.