|
|
|
| . |
|
|
Professional photographers today face a wide selection of camera systems from which to choose. In this competitive market, it is often difficult to decide which products are best. A respected brand name associated with top of the line quality often makes the buying decision.
A world leader in the development and application of precision optical products, Nikon is celebrating a profitable year not just from its largest markets - Japan and the US - but also in Europe, where Netherlands-based Nikon Europe keeps an eye on the company's pan-European accounts. Following recent restructuring, the sales and marketing activities of all Nikon Europe's subsidiaries are now managed from the headquarters in Badhoevedorp just outside Amsterdam. Meanwhile, the introduction of the euro has made central management of Nikon's European operations more important. "Though we work with many distributors, our ten biggest accounts alone take 70 to 80 percent of our business," says Hideshi Hirai, president of Nikon Europe. "However this does not mean we can ignore our smaller dealers. Our products are used principally by professional photographers but we also cater to the amateur with a focus on the high-end user." A major player in the industry - with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities, Nikon has been ranked among the world's most respected brands. Its cameras, lenses and accessories are used by more professional photographers than all other 35mm camera brands combined. The company has also branched out to less traditional directions in photography. "In 1999 we introduced our first ever digital camera - The Nikon D1," Hirai points out. "This camera revolutionized the way sports, fashion and journalistic photographs were captured. We continue to create innovative solutions for our customers." "Nikon believes photography is a tool to heal, educate and inspire. By staying close to its customers and supporting high profile international events such as the World Cup in Japan and South Korea this year, Nikon looks set to provide the tools to document history for many more years to come," he concludes.
|
 |
Hideshi Hirai, president of Nikon Europe