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Canon's sales slump 14% amid slowing economy [Bangkok Post, Thailand :: ](Bangkok Post (Thailand) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) April 02--Canon Marketing (Thailand), the distributor of Canon cameras, has reported sales of 8.6 billion baht last year, representing the first decline in 13 years. Yasutaka Mochihara, the new president and chief executive, said the 14% sales drop from 10 billion baht in 2012 was because the Thai economic situation was weak. Moreover, the overall compact camera market here was shrinking as customers switched to use smartphones to take photos that they can share immediately on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. However, Mr Mochihara aims to drive sales under his three-year management term to 11 billion baht in 2016. Canon will focus on its digital printing product group, believing that the age of digital printing has only just begun, especially in Thailand where it has a lot of potential. "Canon Group in Japan completely acquired the operations of Netherlands-based Oce NV in 2010. It's high time for Canon to step forward to be the leader of photocopiers and high-speed printing systems in the future," Mr Mochihara said. Mr Mochihara assumed the chief executive position at the start of this year. His responsibilities cover strategy, sales management and business development among others. He has a wide range of experience and outstanding performance from his past work with Canon offices in many parts of the world including Europe, Japan and Singapore. He was also the man behind the establishment of Canon Marketing (Thailand) some 20 years ago. Mr Mochihara has also reaffirmed Canon's confidence in Thailand amid the difficult political and economic situations. This is not the first time Canon Marketing has faced this kind of obstacle. This year, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in Thailand, it can reflect on so many changes and obstacles that have helped to make it strong. "If I have to compare it with navigating a ship, we have seen and been through so many waves, big and small, high and low. And now we stand strong, with a large crew with us," Mr Mochihara said. "I, as the new captain, am obliged to sail us all towards the destination. Most importantly, I put my trust in Thailand. I strongly believe that everybody will join hands and drive the country towards unity and prosperity." ___ (c)2014 the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) Visit the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) at www.bangkokpost.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |