BenQ has hailed 2004 as its most successful year ever in the Middle East, with increases in sales and market share reported across the region. Senior managers at the company will now consolidate BenQ’s position in 2005, by continuing with a strategic plan to introduce innovative technology for the home and corporate IT markets.
Since launching in the region just over three years ago, BenQ has established itself as a leading manufacturer of digital lifestyle products aimed at consumers who want maximum entertainment and commercial functionality from their technology. Globally, BenQ revenues hit US$3.6 billion in 2003.
“As 2004 draws to a close, BenQ is delighted to have recorded its most successful year of operations since launching in the Middle East,” said Robert Dung, managing director, BenQ Middle East. “We have seen significant growth in key sectors of our business, most notably LCD monitors, projectors and LCD TVs.”
BenQ has steadily branched out into the consumer electronics market with products including, digital projectors, LCD TVs, Joybee MP3 players, and digital cameras. A major new addition to its range will be announced in the first quarter of 2005, and will further emphasize BenQ’s move away from being a purely IT peripheral vendor.
“The Middle East is a key territory for BenQ’s global business, with consumers embracing the developing home technology market,” added Dung. “In the key markets of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, BenQ has recorded double digit sales growth, which has been driven predominantly by the youth market.”
BenQ introduced a plethora of new products to the Middle East during 2004, including many “world firsts”. Additions to the Joybook family of notebook PCs, webcam-enabled LCD monitors, and ultra-light digital projectors were amongst the highlights.
Channel development was another key priority for BenQ, with major new partnerships signed with Salam Studios and Eros Electricals in the UAE – enhancing its penetration into the consumer electronic market. Partner road shows, and a region-wide consultation exercise, in which areas of best practice were identified, were other significant milestones for the company.
“We have the team and partners in place to deliver the most advanced technology to regional consumers,” added Dung. “BenQ has some interesting plans for 2005 that will solidify our position as the leader in digital lifestyle products.”
