Hisense a global leader in smart TV market

Company's new research and development facility will become a technology hub

The global TV shipment figures for Hisense surpassed 49.7 million units in the first quarter of the year, according to US market research firm Display Search.

Among the global TV brands, Hisense maintained a strong growth momentum with shipments growing 5.3 percent year-on-year and shipment revenue increasing 6.4 percent, helping the company to reach a No 4 ranking globally.

Hisense is ranked No 1 in the Chinese market and has a dominant 18.5 percent shipment share.

Part of the reason for the company's success is Hisense's heavy investment in the research and development of its smart TVs - the ULED TV and 4K UHD TV lineups.

In China, Hisense ULED and VIDAA TVs have achieved strong sales performance. Internationally, the UHD model has been available at many of the main stores and distribution channels across Europe, the US, Australia, South Africa and many other countries.

In December 2012, Hisense began construction on its research and development facility in Laoshan district, Qingdao. Once completed, the facility will be the largest of its kind in the world.

Focusing on research and development of multimedia technology, the facility will cover more than 170 hectares and employ tens of thousands of people. It will become a hub for technology, information and research, laying a solid foundation for Hisense's development over the next 30 years.

It is also designed to be the world's most advanced and innovative research and development center in the industry.

As Hisense expands globally, the company aims to attract international talent through overseas recruitment, global cooperation and further acquisitions.

Hisense has already acquired the teams of Flextronics in Canada, the Archcom Chip in the US, China's Huaya TV Chip, and the Taiwan Laser TV Development. Also, dozens of technology leaders from the US, Japan and South Korea have joined Hisense's research and development team.

With the launch of the research and development base in Laoshan district, Hisense has globalized research and development facilities in Qingdao, the United States, Canada, Germany and several other places.

Being close to other major global economies such as South Korea and Japan, the Qingdao facility will be the most important research and development hub for Hisense's multimedia display technology, not only in China, but also around the world.

Green development

Hisense's innovative research and development and state-of-the-art technologies enable the company to produce efficient and eco-friendly home appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and washing machines.

The company developed the Hisense Green Development Outline in 2010, aiming to be the leader of green development within the industry.

Its goals include taking the lead in developing the international LED backlight standard for environmental protection and energy saving, hitting global daily refrigerator power-consumption lows, and breaking the world record in air-conditioning energy saving.

In 2011, Hisense became the first corporate partner of the United Nations Environmental Program's SEED Award "in light of the company's consistent commitment to innovation and environmental protection".

In 2013, Hisense extended an agreement with the UNEP to promote sustainable development.

The Hisense Europe headquarters is located in Dusseldorf, Germany. The city is also home to the company's European research and development center.

Hisense-branded products are sold in more than 20 different countries in Europe, with established subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Germany, the UK and France.

By cooperating with large local buying groups and e-commerce partners, Hisense has grown quickly recently, and sales revenue is projected to increase by 128 percent in 2014. The brand is also becoming better known across the markets due to its promotion of high-end products.

Across Europe, consumers can easily find premium Hisense products at affordable prices in the marketplace.

In addition, Hisense has received attention at some of the world's leading trade shows, including the CES in the US, MWC in Barcelona, IFA in Germany and MCE in Italy.

Hisense has presented its innovative consumer electronic products at the IFA Berlin trade show for many years, and this year decided to officially introduce its home appliance products for the first time with both media and dealers showing high levels of interests.

Growing recognition

As more dealers and consumers are realizing the value-for-money benefits that Hisense products offer, the company's brand value is also being recognized by leading organizations.

In 2013, Hisense became the official technological partner of Spain Valencia CF, and the leading sports club brings high-end TVs into their stadium every game to showcase the best moments of each match.

"Technology, quality, integrity and responsibility are the four key elements of Hisense. Over the years, Hisense has pursued healthy operations, top quality and honesty, which have won the respect and loyalty of its business partners," said Henry Liu, general manager of Hisense Europe.

"For Hisense speed is naturally a very important component in the rapidly changing markets. However we are planning for the long term. Through first-class quality, top service, attractive design and an excellent brand image, Hisense wants to prove to specialist retailers and consumers alike that we are a dependable partner - a company that one can, in all good faith, trust and rely upon," Liu added.

About Hisense

Hisense was founded in China in 1969 and is recognized as one of the world's leading providers of flat panel TVs, household appliances and mobile communications, and is seen as a top 10 player by large global institutions.

Its 20-plus subsidiaries are in the multimedia, household appliance, telecommunications, information technology, technology services and real estate industries, while its products are sold in more than 130 countries and regions throughout the world.

The word "Hisense" in Chinese denotes an ocean-like broad vision and credibility that Hisense always values.

The English name Hisense is a combination of the words "high" and "sense", which denote Hisense's persistent pursuit of high technology, high quality and high taste.

Hisense continuously invests in technological research and development, with an international team of around 75,000 employees.

Hisense has more than 16 production sites and nine the research and development centers around the world, as well as subsidiaries in Europe, North America, Australia, Africa and Southeast Asia.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 06/20/2014 page19)