Sharp Executive: Aim To Sell At Least 1 Million TV Sets 60-Inch Or Larger In N America This Fiscal Year

Sharp Corp. (6753.TO) said Thursday that it aims to sell at least one million television sets that are 60-inches or larger in North America in the current fiscal year through March.

The Japanese electronics maker is trying to focus on the largest models, as part of efforts to differentiate its product lineup from rivals and distance itself from cutthroat price competition that has been plaguing the TV market worldwide.

"The production process for large-size TVs involves a lot of (specialized) technology," said Executive Managing Officer Kozo Takahashi, who heads the Japanese electronics maker's businesses in the Americas, at a press conference held in Osaka that was also televised for reporters in Tokyo.

Many electronics makers worldwide are struggling to make money with their TV sets and are trying to find alternative strategies amid unrelenting price competition that has been squeezing their TV earnings for the past few years.

In the fiscal year ended March 31, Sharp sold 14.82 million LCD TV sets globally.

-By Juro Osawa, Dow Jones Newswires; 813 6269 2794; [e-mail]