Despite the economic downturn, a withdrawal from flat production and significant business restructure, sales for the first quarter have exceeded expectations.

From April 1 to June 1 2009, Pioneer navigation sales rose 38% and Blu-ray also increased 22%, compared to sales during the same period, twelve months earlier.

Both Blu-ray and navigation are two critical product categories. With Pioneer releasing a new range of AV receivers over the coming months, the company also expects this category to fire.

Chris Kotis, General Manager for Sales and Marketing at Pioneer Electronics Australia Pty Ltd, believes structural changes made by the business earlier in the year were critical in re-establishing stability and paving the way for future growth.

“While news of our exit from plasma initially shocked the company, the addition of new business and wider product focus has been a major factor in improving domestic sales.

‘Audio expansion’ is a key theme for Pioneer moving forward. The partnership with PURE is off to a great start and we have received positive feedback from the trade on the new range of navigation and home audio and video products being rolled-out over the coming months.

Despite a strong start to the fiscal year, Kotis is under no illusion about the challenges that lay ahead for the business.

“Our journey has only just begun. The challenge for Pioneer Electronics Australia is to continue this rate of success over the next 12 months. Easier said than done, but recent sales and future new product introductions suggest we are well placed to do so,” added Kotis.

Heading into Christmas, Pioneer will rollout a new range of flagship Pro DJ equipment, new speakers that compliment high-end AV receivers and a range of PURE digital radio products.