JVC and Funai join for LCD TV development

Japanese electronics manufacturers, JVC and Funai Electric Co Ltd, are teaming up to develop and supply LCD televisions.

The move follows the current trend for consolidation in the LCD TV sector, as companies search for economies of scale to offset pricing pressures.

Starting this month, JVC (Victor Co of Japan Ltd), will supply Funai with LCD TVs made at a JVC plant in Mexico. Funai will then sell the sets under its own brand in the North American market.

Funai will supply JVC with LCD TVs produced by a Funai plant in Poland, and JVC will market them in Europe. This part of the agreement is expected to start between April and September.

In the year commencing April 2008, the two companies will jointly develop LCD TVs. They will combine the purchasing of raw materials and parts, and could consolidate their logistics networks and maintenance services.