Nikon 2005 Annual Report Download - page 15

F6
D70
This professional digital SLR for action and sports, features
ultra-high speed, high image quality, and maximum effi ciency.
D2Hs
Combining a new level of high performance with effi cient
handling, this model brings the full excitement of Nikon
digital SLR photography and unrivaled Nikon quality to a
wider audience.
This fl agship fi lm SLR camera seamlessly blends cutting-edge
technologies and uncompromising craftsmanship.
development costs by applying basic develop-
ment technologies to a variety of models, while
also designing to share the same parts and com-
ponents to increase supply-chain effi ciencies and
revamping our procurement system.
Strengthening sales system throughout
the Nikon Group
Nikon is pressing ahead with the development of
a groupwide sales system to facilitate a fl exible
response to market trends. Apart from integrat-
ing product warehouses to improve logistics
systems, we will enhance overall inventory man-
agement through the utilization of an IT-based
sales system. These and other moves will enable
us to cope quickly with demand shifts.
Furthermore, we will enhance our four mar-
keting centers around the world by integrating
the marketing functions in each region to boost
effectiveness and effi ciency.
We are also enhancing our sales and service
network in emerging markets, such as China.
Nikon Imaging (China) Sales Co., Ltd., has been
established as a sales and service subsidiary in
China. Operations commenced in June 2005.
Moving ahead, we will seek to expand our busi-
ness in China in earnest through this company
and further boost our presence there.
Boosting product values through
brand enhancement
The fact that Nikon enjoys the largest market
shares in those regions where its brand aware-
ness is highest confi rms the fact that brand power
is critical in the highly competitive digital camera
market. While the current Nikon brand percep-
tion is expensive and high quality, it is necessary
to position the COOLPIX brand in the digital com-
pact camera market as providing state-of-the-art
technologies and products, while also capturing
user affi nity and trust. By strengthening brand
power and creating added value, we can increase
product appeal. This is critical to outstrip the
competition. Building on the branding statement
“At the heart of the image,” we aim to further
clarify our brand vision and more appropriately
refl ect concepts in products.
Focusing on expansion of digital camera
peripheral business
Besides empowering consumers to take great
pictures, Nikon aims to establish the complete
imaging business by extending the fun involved
in photography to include such activities as cre-
ating and viewing the fi nal images. During the
year ended March 2005, we launched the COOL
WALKER MSV-01, a photo storage viewer fi tted
with a 30GB hard disk and a 2.5-inch TFT-LCD
color monitor for sharing favorite images. We are
also striving to enhance our software products,
such as Nikon Capture, a post-production tool to
boost image quality for more beautiful pictures,
and PictureProject for image management, edit-
ing, and slide show creation.
We will continue to create new unique prod-
ucts – not only cameras, but anything in the fi eld
of imaging that gives customers the opportunity
to enjoy a new imaging world through digital
pictures. We are also looking into a number of
collaborative ventures in various countries to
broaden the horizons of digital imaging.
Operating Income
(millions of yen)
355,489
284,713
271,956
05
04
03
Integrated production line
from lens units to fi nal
assembly at the core factory
for compact digital cameras
at Nikon Imaging (China)
Co., Ltd.
16,841
25,222
27,745
05
04
03
Launch of F6 to target dedicated
fi lm camera fan base
Although the market for fi lm cameras continues to
shrink dramatically, there is still a dedicated core of
fans of silver-halide photography. Many remain fi rm-
ly committed to Nikon products. In October 2004,
we released the F6 for this user base. Positioned as
the pinnacle of traditional SLR photography, the F6
features a host of modern refi nements to delight
all the senses. We aim to make it a long-selling and
popular product.
The F6 has already garnered a number of awards
such as “The Best 35mm SLR Camera in Europe 2005”
from TIPA in Europe, and the “Camera Grand Prix
2005 Special Prize” from Camera Press Club in Japan.
Net Sales*
(millions of yen)
*The above fi gures include intersegment sales.
D2x
This high-end professional digital SLR camera delivers
12.4 effective megapixels for high-precision, high-speed
performance.
13