While the withdrawal of the Sanyo brand has been common knowledge since the Panasonic takeover, a process that started in 2008, its impact will, nonetheless, be felt in the projector market. Sanyo’s extensive range provided a backstop for resellers faced with a requirement outside their usual remit, and, for many, it made good sense to have the brand in their portfolio – even it wasn’t at number one.
Will Panasonic branded products take up the slack? The market has changed since Sanyo was in its prime, with a number of brands now able to muster a range of 40 or so models. Panasonic also has problems of its own, with company president Fumio Ohtsubo having announced a drastic restructuring of the loss-making TV division with the objective of returning to profits in the next financial year.
But will be the likely impact on the channel? AV director of Midwich Darren Lewitt believes that:
“As the largest UK customer for both Panasonic and Sanyo we believe that people should not overly worry and that, as well as being business as usual, this may represent an opportunity over the next 4 months for resellers with some better Sanyo deals in Q1 but we will keep the channel posted with this.”
“We have seen both Sanyo and Panasonic’s projection business grow again this year so the potential of a new Panasonic line up from 1 April 2012, possibly using the combined technologies from Sanyo and Panasonic, could be very strong indeed. If they get this right then they will be the UK’s largest projector brand so I would urge resellers to continue to sell both brands, in the short term, and then migrate over to the new Panasonic line up from April.”
And for resellers tempted to jump ship early? Lewitt counsels caution: “People have rightly raised concerns since this Sanyo statement and suggestions have been made about switching to other brands. To be honest though there are not many alternatives to the strength in depth of both the Sanyo or Panasonic line ups and certainly if the new Panasonic range incorporates some of the Sanyo technology then it is sure to continue to be the market leader. “
“This announcement was kind of expected but it is still very sad to see a 16 year relationship with Sanyo is coming to an end. One thing that has been confirmed is that all Sanyo products purchased up to 31 March will be fully warranted by an on-going support team.”
