HONG KONG, Jan. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TCL, top-three global television manufacturer and leading consumer electronics brand, today announced its strongest global business growth in five years in 2017 at the 2018 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The company also announced its 2018 business strategy, of which artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the key pillars, and unveiled its 2018 product lineup and latest US product offerings.
In 2017, TCL Multimedia saw its strongest growth in full-year sales volumes in five years, and outperformed its full-year sales target of 22 million sets. The company says the strong sales figures are due to its improved product mix, an optimized channel structure and enhanced overall efficiency, driven by its advantages in the vertical integration of its complete industrial chain.
TCL Multimedia's LCD TV sales volumes increased by 16.4% year-on-year to 23,231,141 sets, of which sales volumes of smart TVs and 4K TVs increased by 42.5% and 45.9% year-on-year to 15,094,106 sets and 5,804,951 sets, respectively.
In overseas markets, TCL Multimedia's LCD TV sales volumes grew by 33.5% year-on-year to 14,067,563 sets in 2017, largely attributable to strong sales performances in North America and emerging markets such as Brazil. The North American market saw sales volume grow significantly, up 131.5% year-on-year. According to data from NPD, TCL ranked number three in the US in the period from January to October 2017, making it the fastest-growing TV brand in the US market.
TCL also expanded its footprint in Mexico, Japan, Middle East and Africa in 2017.
"We are thrilled to report such robust global business growth in 2017, especially in the North American market," said Tomson Li, Chairman and CEO of TCL Corporation. "We will continue to invest in technologies that will help transform the future of the television industry, to ultimately benefit our consumers," he added.
Based on its consumer insights, TCL has identified three key trends in the TV industry – AI, a better viewing experience and big screens. These trends have shaped the 2018 business strategy, which the company unveiled at CES.
Focus on Smart Technology
With a belief that it is the future of TV, AI will be one of TCL's primary strategic focus points in 2018.
By continuing to collaborate with industry leaders such as Google and Baidu, TCL's AI-focused technology strategy offers users direct access to personalized content. Alongside the latest Google Android operating system, TCL is bringing smart TVs' interactive operations, content services and application capabilities to a whole new level. This includes bringing Google Assistant to new TVs, which will help users control smart home devices and find new movies, right from their TVs.
With AI, a smart TV becomes an intelligent TV. This changes the way people interact with their TVs and dramatically improves their viewing experience.
Focus on Display Technology
TCL will also keep investing significantly in QLED technology, which the company believes is the future of TV display technology. QLED TV offers stunning picture and shows more colorful, purer and long-lasting images that realistically mirror the world around us and which provides consumers with a better viewing experience.
Upgrade of Vertical Integration
As the only Chinese TV brand with complete vertical integration, TCL continuously seeks to improve the level of vertical integration in the TV industry and embrace the era of the big screen.
In November 2017, TCL-owned Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd (CSOT), which now ranks fifth in the world for LCD panel shipments by Display Search, announced the roof sealing of the main building of the "G11", the highest-generation panel production line in the world.
With an investment of USD 7.09 billion, G11 will greatly improve TCL's production of big screens, such as the 65-inch and 75-inch LCD screens. It is expected to commence operations in March 2019, with a monthly production capacity of 90,000 sheets of glass substrate.
Connecting the Global Community
TCL is better connecting with its ever-growing global community via a series of sports and entertainment marketing activities. The latest partnership with the popular Warner Bros. Pictures movie Justice League, was announced in November 2017.
The company's global marketing assets also include its sponsorships of Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theatre, the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, soccer team San Jose Earthquakes, The Ellen Show, Brazilian Football Confederation (Brazil), Rosario Central Football Club (Argentina), Philippine Basketball Association (Philippines), The Melbourne Cup and Melbourne Victory Football Club (Australia).
A new, global sports partnership is expected to be announced later this year.
At CES 2018, TCL unveiled its 2018 product lineup, including the QLED TV flagship X6, UHD Smart TV Cityline Series C6 and Popular Series P5. The company also announced an enhanced product range for the US market in 2018, including the 6-Series and 5-Series 4K HRD TVs, and the TCL Roku Smart Soundbar - the first device to be launched under Roku's new Whole Home Entertainment Licensing Program, which is expected to be available in late 2018.
About TCL Multimedia
Headquartered in China, TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited (HKSE: 01070) is one of the leading players in the global TV industry, engaged in the research and development, manufacturing and distribution of consumer electronic products. With a new product-and-user-oriented business model that focuses primarily on a "Double +" strategy aiming to achieve "Smart + Internet" and "Products + Services", TCL Multimedia is striving to become a "global entertainment technology enterprise" that provides integrated entertainment solutions to customers.
Media Contacts:
TCL Multimedia
Phillip Wu
Tel: +86 755 3331 1958
E-mail: wulf@tcl.com
H+K Strategies for TCL Multimedia
Rachel Wu / Tracy Yiu
Tel: +852 2894 6292 / Tel: +852 2894 6295
E-mail: rachel.wu@hkstrategies.com / tracy.yiu@hkstrategies.com
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