Alpine 2011 Annual Report Download - page 5

In Japan, our BIG-X car navigation system offered an 8-inch
screen, the largest on the market, improved maps, and simpler
operation. Filling out our car navigation line-up, we added the X08S
to the highly acclaimed X08 series and introduced the X05, a fl ash
memory equipped model offering exceptional cost performance.
Sales of our “Perfect Fit” installation kits tailored to the aesthetics
of specific car models and of camera systems connected to
car navigation systems to enhance driving safety were healthy.
To strengthen sales, TV commercials were developed. In North
America, our popularly priced car navigation systems introduced
in the last fiscal year encountered stiff price competition, but
their outstanding features won high marks from consumers. The
popularly priced car navigation systems introduced in Europe
posted healthy sales. In the OEM sector, the installation ratio of
our cabin display products gradually recovered. Sales of high-
end multifunction navigation systems often installed in luxury cars
increased, supported by the recovery of luxury and large car sales
in North America and the rapid growth of mid-sized and luxury
car sales in China. As a result, this division’s sales reached 131.3
billion yen (a 33.9% increase, year-on-year).
Sales by segment
0
200
400
600
800
（100 million yen）
（416）
（769）
（302）
（198）
500
906
353
221
America Europe Japan Other Asia
Audio products
segment Information and communication products segment
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
(100 million yen)
（704） 698
（981）
1,313
( )=2009FY
Sales by region
Operational Review
In Japan, sales of high-end speaker systems targeting minivan
owners were strong, but head unit sales were diminished by price
competition, resulting in fl at growth overall. In North America, sales
of popularly priced CD players were healthy, but strong price-
consciousness among consumers created a tough environment
for higher value-added products. In the European market, sound
system sales, primarily of high quality speakers, were strong, but
sales of Bluetooth-equipped CD players shrank in the face of
severe price competition. OEM sales to automakers improved as
major customers recovered from Lehman Shock and increased
production. Sales in both Europe and North America were strong,
and sales in China showed healthy growth. As a result of all these
factors, sales in this division totaled 69.8 billion yen (down 0.8%
year-on-year).
Audio Products
Information and Communications Products
5
Operational Review