Cmon, Not trying to be "coy" about LGE's sales projections for Zenith/LGE to achieve 25% of the US digital TV market.
As I recall, Zenith presently sells 11% of all TVs sold in the US, second only to RCA. RCA has been told by the French government, "nous quittons". No more bailouts so Thomson needs to firm its pricing and to find equity partners to replace the French government. RCA currently has the best digital TV/satellite strategy, however, is six months behind Zenith in terms of HDTV implementation.
Philips also will be a strong digital TV competitor, particularly with its new Echostar alliance. However, the Magnavox brand name and distribution system in the US is not strong. Philips is at least 9 months behind Zenith.
The Japanese and Korean CE companies appear to be waiting to see how the US, digital-TV shoe drops. None have offered a clear digital TV strategy and are many months behind Zenith, too.
Therefore, Zenith has a huge advantage in terms of coming first to market. More importantly, what may well propel Zenith/LGE to 25% marketshare is the strength of its new "alliance" members, discussed in my previous post.
The only thing holding Zenith back is the lack of immediate funds and personnel to greatly expand its manufacturing, distribution and marketing. If Zenith could get a substantial cash infusion (similar to Thomson's recent bailout from the French government), a 25% marketshare for Zenith/LGE is highly realistic. |
