Our rep just called to say 'bye' to us. They had huge layoffs this morning. He said he had talked to a few people that made it through, but that most were let go today. Guess the moron who decided to release the F-series two months early cost a lot of people their jobs. R.I.P. Pioneer
Yep, this is related solely to their TV manufacturing and sales. They're doing it because that market has become largely price sensitive, and they want to focus on audio.
We dont sell TVs. This is definitely car stereo cutbacks. Our old rep is now our guy again. Said over 50% of the people are goners. Gay!
I blame it on the F-series
Yup, they cleaned house. Dickheads who let the F-series out should be ashamed of themselves...cost a lot of people their jobs, hopefully not their homes. Wonder if they can recover or if the new kenwoods will shut them down for good? 9140 looks sic!
The f series is not the only responsible party here. While they are turds, Pioneer says plasmas AND car electronics are their biggest losses.
The fact that the f series are problematic really hasn't stopped people from selling them. Instead, buyers who research before buying just don't ask for it.
Car Electronics = F-series. They went from selling a ton of D3s for full pop to having to whore out the F-series to get ANYONE to buy them. Thats why the huge losses
Guys the F series has nothing to do with hundreds of big retail stores and others companies having to lay off or go out of business. Although the dismal problems with the F series didn't help, Im sure they laid off for the same reason as everyone else, the economy.
I disagree. We would've sold probably around 5 times as many D3s in 2008 than we did F700/900s combined if they were available. Most reps and others in the industry agree that the F-series buried Pioneer. More people picked up Kenwood this year than ever before just to have something to sell that worked. Sad truth because Pioneer dominated the industry for like 5+ years in navigation and now they are going to be chasing Kenwood to get the business back. Thats why people got fired
I think that in a stable economy Pioneer would not have made this decision regardless of the dismal F series sales. Like I said, it didn't help but I dont believe the F series is solely responsible. Kenwood and other car audio companies will likely do the same thing soon and it will have nothing to do with the F series.
on the pioneer-mel website they said they were now focusing on home audio, and car audio
right from the horse's mouth
Dear Valued Pioneer Dealer or Distributor:
Because you are a valued Pioneer partner, we wanted to clarify our global restructuring announcement and dispel any rumors or speculation.
Global Restructuring
On February 12, 2009, Pioneer announced a global restructuring that will result in 6,000 permanent and 4,000 temporary job losses worldwide. We will do everything we can to maintain consistent and smooth service during this transition. The employee reductions will affect support staff in the field, so we ask that you hold on contacting your local sales representatives for now. The Pioneer Zone Director for your area will contact you by February 18 to clarify any changes in your sales or support staff.
We have long prided ourselves on the strength of our dealer network and the speed with which we can react to your needs. Our dealers will continue to be our priority as Pioneer forges ahead through this difficult time.
Product Category Changes
Pioneer also announced it will withdraw from the display business by March 2010. While this has been a celebrated category for many years, the display business is not economically viable at this time. Pioneer displays are currently available at our retail partners and the company plans to continue supporting service needs, replacement parts and warranties. As painful as these changes are to the company, they are necessary to achieve a higher degree of operational efficiency in the current difficult business environment.
Pioneer's home electronics display business remains the only category affected by the global restructuring. The company anticipates an otherwise normal rollout as planned of in-car entertainment products including navigation devices, in-dash entertainment, single CD players, amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers.
Looking to the future in the car electronics business, Pioneer expects growing demand for higher levels of environmental performance and energy efficiency in the automotive field. Pioneer will shift internal resources to leverage its market position and technological power in this category.
Commitment to the 12-Volt Industry
Pioneer remains absolutely committed to the 12-Volt industry and will continue its aggressive support of the 12-Volt Awareness Initiative, working with key industry manufacturers, retailers and associations to expand awareness of and create demand for our products. Even with the current economic conditions and all-time low consumer confidence, the acting board continues to move aggressively forward, finalizing our consumer value proposition and strategy to emerge from the recession ready to launch with a strong plan. We're also working on interim strategies that can impact the 2009 selling season.
As a highly-regarded specialist in audio and video for both in-car and home theater entertainment, Pioneer will always work to seize a leadership position in its current and future product categories.
Thank you for your continued support and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Kenji "Sam" Murai
Executive Vice President, Pioneer Electronics (USA)
As much as the F-series had problems the layoff is prob mostly due to the economy. Even if the F-series were selling they would still be laying off people. I have a friend that works at Westinghouse and they just finished laying off half their employees. And they make budget tv's for the less financially stable people.
What is more unfortunate is that Pioneer's home audio gear is not all that great. IMHO it all sounds horrible.
What is more unfortunate is that Pioneer's home audio gear is not all that great. IMHO it all sounds horrible.
The Elite line is very good...
Their Blu-Ray players are over priced and underwhelming...
What is more unfortunate is that Pioneer's home audio gear is not all that great. IMHO it all sounds horrible.The Elite line is very good...
Their Blu-Ray players are over priced and underwhelming...
I don't care much for the sound of the elite series. They look sexy without a doubt and they are packed with features but their sound falls pretty short of the price you pay. Maybe this re-dedication to their roots will improve their home and car audio products.