Panasonic Withdraws from European Smartphone Market, SIP Phones Still Raking Sales
Panasonic Withdraws from European Smartphone Market, SIP Phones Still Raking Sales by UCStrategies Staff
Although 2012 saw record profits among a handful of mobile phone companies, Panasonic Corp’s smartphone market in Europe did not see the same level of success as its SIP phone offerings. It is reported that Panasonic may soon give up its European mobile market base.
The Japanese company announced that it will shrink its mobile department in Europe. Plans are underway and will be implemented in the next six months. Panasonic detailed that the change in the company’s Europe-based mobile department is likely to be finished by the end of March, 2013 as part of its restructuring.
In 2005, the same thing had happened. Panasonic had pulled out of Europe sometime during that year, and it just returned to market its mobile phones there in early spring of 2012. The company then announced its sales goal of 1.5 million smartphone units for the 2012 business year. The aforementioned sales target, whether it was met or not, was also not yet confirmed by the company. But there were insider claims that Panasonic had not, in fact, met its 1.5 million sales target.
Panasonic has not yet formally announced its revenue numbers, but it does not appear that it has sold enough in order to justify extending its reentry into the European mobile market scene.
Although Panasonic’s smartphone sales can be a bit deflating, the company has succeeded in other areas, particularly its SIP phones for business customers. Panasonic’s SIP phones were said to have enjoyed lucrative sales since the business phone lines were introduced to the market in 2011.
Panasonic’s SIP phones are known to possess features that can be used along with low power consumption. The wide range of Panasonic SIP phone models features HD voice quality, simple installation, and intuitive menu systems. Corded and cordless models are also available, making it possible for business customers to choose the optimal design for their office.
Kazuhiro Tsuga, who became president of Panasonic in June, 2012, vowed to revitalize the company by eliminating barely profitable and money-losing ventures. Tsuga said that his restructuring plans would be announced at the end of March, 2013.
In a press conference, Tsuga admitted to the current damaged situation of the company and how restructuring measures could solve Panasonic’s deep-rooted structural problems. “That’s what I call an abnormal situation and our starting point is to recognize that we are not a normal company right now,” he said. (KOM) Link. Link.