The economic crisis forces electronics manufacturer Pioneer to make a number of radical decisions. Rumours that Pioneer would collaborate with Panasonic on plasma-TV production and later that Pioneer wanted to stop their TV production entirely has been flying lately. But now Pioneer confirms that they want to stop their TV production entirely.

The Japanese electronics giant has felt the financial crisis and will realign its business portfolio and streamline its business structure. Pioneer says that this will lead to a global workforce reduction of approximately 10,000 employees because of expected record net loss (Pioneer’s own words) for fiscal 2009. 

This means that Pioneer will withdraw from the display business by March 2010, but the company will continue to honour warranties and after-sales services So, after march 2010 no more Pioneer KURO TVs will be available.

 
Pioneer KURO plasma-Tv
 
Pioneer has already terminated some of their plasma display panel production (including the plants in UK and US).

Pioneer and Panasonic announced collaboration some time ago but this has been cancelled.

Pioneer will continue to develop DJ equipment and in the optical disc business Pioneer is looking closely at a possible joint venture. Pioneer also aims to transform itself into an enterprise centered on the Car Electronics business.

This appears to be the end to an era of amazing TVs from the best manufacturer of TV sets on the market - and it is sad to hear.

Source: Pioneer Europe