Hey all, Following the recent AM-F90 discussion, I found this Japanese news release: <http://www.aiwa.co.jp/exhibi/new_prod/2001/010326_jinji.htm> What it says is as follows: Since last July, Aiwa has been implementing a system of 8 product development groups, 3 "core" factories, and dropping 900 employees from a total of 11,000. However, a number of factors have caused declining profits. Some of the key changes Aiwa is implementing beginning with the new fiscal year (starts April 1): - They will be deleting unprofitable products from their line up, and concentrating on profitable ones. By fiscal 2002, Aiwa's sales is expected to shrink by 30% (from today's approx. 300 billion yen). - The technological tie with Sony will be reinforced and utilized in new products. Aiwa's own manufacturing will be decreased, with only one main factory left in Japan. - It is estimated that, not including the manufacturing division, Aiwa will cut 30% of its work force. Details will be released on April 26. Meanwhile, a news article (<http://www.nikkei.co.jp/news/sangyo/20010327CAHI354626.html>) says that the total work force of about 10,000 today will be halved. Analog stereo products are the main products to be deleted, as opposed to DVD, MP3 players, which they plan to boost through using Sony's technology. I wanted to post this because it fits with the idea that Aiwa will be increasingly cloning Sony products in the near future. Leon ----------------------------------------------------------------- To stop getting this list send a message containing just the word "unsubscribe" to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
