Sharp Phils eyes 5%-10% growth in sales this year

Sharp Phils., a leading manufacturer of audio, video and home appliance systems, is eyeing a five percent to 10-percent growth in sales this year with the launch of more innovative products in the market.

Hiroshi Hatano, assistant vice-president and division general manager for the Domestic Sales Division of Sharp Phils., said the company is confident of meeting its sales target this year as it continues to produce new products to cater to the ever-changing needs of the public.

"We continue to upgrade our line-up with the introduction of new component systems, washing machines, and refrigerators, together with the rest of our wide line of fast-selling products," Hatano said.

Sharp recently launched its fully automatic washing machine with silver ion technology, that deactivates odor-causing bacteria on dirty clothes and prevents possible germ activation from hang-dry to wear.

The company also introduced early this month a new product innovation called Healsio Water Oven. This multi-functional kitchen appliance uses water to roast food and reduces fat and salt while maintaining the food’s natural taste and nutrients. Like a traditional oven spruced up with new features, this product can function as a steamer and griller as well.

The Healsio Water Oven was launched in Japan in 2004 and will be made available across Europe, North America and Asia.

Sharp initiated the mass production of commercial microwave ovens in Japan and moved on to pioneer the world’s first turntable microwave oven designed for home use in 1966.

Since then, the company has continued and intensified its research efforts to innovate products.

Also to be launched this year is the Plasmacluster, the state-of-the-art air purification technology that inactivates germs in indoor air is available in Sharp air-conditioners, air purifiers and refrigerators.

To boost its profitability, Sharp Phils. will continue to further strengthen its dealer network and step up its promotional campaign, Hatano said.

For several years now, Sharp has been the leading brand for color TV with around 20-percent market share. It also dominates the karaoke market with a share of almost 100 percent.

Sharp likewise maintains its leadership for washing machines with market share of close to 50 percent.

Sharp, the global leader in liquid crystal display (LCD) TV, aims to become a company that has zero global warming impact by 2010.

Sharp has more residential solar energy systems in operation than any other manufacturer, with more than 100,000 installations worldwide. In response to growing interest in clean, renewable energy in this country, Sharp began marketing its solar products in the US in 2002. Sharp is the only company in the US offering residential solar electric systems consisting of solar modules.

The battle is heating up among electronic manufacturers to distinguish themselves from their competitors through environmental technology.