LONDON, UK, July 31, 2002 - German PC sales performed better than expected in the second quarter, declining only 0.2% from the previous year, according to preliminary data released by IDC. Despite economic uncertainty and the cautious attitudes prevailing in the business sector, the PC market was able to rebound thanks to stronger notebook sales.
"The German PC market has been able to regain momentum in the second quarter thanks to healthier notebook sales, with April being the stronger month of the period," said Stefania Lorenz, Senior Research Analyst for IDC's European Personal Computing Group. "However, the desktop market continued to suffer, resulting in negative annual growth in both the consumer and commercial markets."
Cautious spending within the business market, together with an accelerated shift from desktops to notebooks in the consumer market continued to inhibit a return to positive rates in the desktop arena. The small and medium business (SMB) market, however, remains the focus of the industry, as demand, driven by fierce vendor competition between international and local vendors, remained more sustained and helped limit volume erosion. "Despite reporting a better than expected result at -3.6% growth year on year, sales on the consumer side continued to be driven by fierce competition from local players and low-priced product offerings in the retail space, as well as an increasing shift from desktops to notebooks," added Lorenz.
Notebook sales continued to drive the PC market in the second quarter and recorded an annual increase of 24%. The market remains extremely competitive across all segments, with many players forced to align their price positioning to retain or gain market share. Gericom maintained the leading position in the consumer market, while Toshiba held the top position in the business notebook market.
Vendor Performance Highlights
The German market remained one of the most competitive markets in Europe. Dell maintained pressure in the business space and regional and local players continued to play a key role in both the SMB and consumer markets. The merger between HP and Compaq also contributed to the competitive environment existing between the international and regional/local vendors.
Fujitsu Siemens retained a clear leadership in the overall German market and an indisputable number one position in the desktop market, ahead of its challengers. However, affected by the market downturn and slow consumer demand as well as fierce competition, Fujitsu Siemens was dethroned by Vobis in the consumer desktop market.
HP, thanks to the acquisition of Compaq, regained the number two position lost in the first quarter of 2002. The vendor now holds 14% of total market share, losing 3 points compared with the combined results of both entities last year. HP's performance was driven by an aggressive product push into the channel and a refocusing of pricing strategies.
Dell continued to outperform the market, displaying 17% unit growth despite weak corporate investments and competition from indirect vendors. Dell implemented aggressive marketing across all German speaking countries this quarter, enabling the vendor to gain space in the large accounts and an increased presence in the small and medium business market.
Local vendors Actebis and Vobis performed very well in both the consumer and commercial desktop markets. Both vendors have been investing strongly in marketing campaigns and have implemented very aggressive pricing policies, which have helped the vendors to gain market share.
Top 5 Vendors PC Shipments in Germany,
2Q02 (Preliminary) (Unit '000s)
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| | 2Q01 | 2Q02 | Share | Share | Y/Y |
| | | | 2Q01 | 2Q02 | Growth |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| Fujitsu | 272 | 221 | 19% | 16% | -19% |
| Siemens | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| HP* | 232 | 194 | 17% | 14% | -16% |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| Dell | 93 | 109 | 7% | 8% | 17% |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| Actebis | 62 | 102 | 4% | 7% | 64% |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| Vobis | 52 | 86 | 4% | 6% | 65% |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| Others | 690 | 688 | 49% | 49% | -0.3% |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
| | | | | | |
| Total | 1,401 | 1,399 | 100% | 100% | -0.2% |
| | | | | | |
|----------------+---------+-----------+-----------+-----------+-----------|
Shipments are branded shipments and exclude OEM sales for all vendors.
Data for all vendors are reported for calendar periods.
* Data for HP includes HP and Compaq combined
Source: IDC EMEA, Preliminary Results 2Q02
About IDC
IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm helping clients gain insight into technology and ebusiness trends to develop sound business strategies. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in-depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice. More than 700 analysts in 43 countries provide global research with local content. IDC's customers comprise the world's leading IT suppliers, IT organizations, ebusiness companies and the financial community. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com IDC is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company. # # # All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
For more information, contact:
Stefania Lorenz
+44 (0) 20 8987 7176
slorenz@idc.com
Terry Cummings
+44 (0) 20 8987 7231
tcummings@idc.com
Explore new economic landscapes, technology solutions, and strategies for IT investments at IDC's European IT Forum.
Date: September 16-17, 2002
Location: Grimaldi Forum, Monaco
For more information, visit http://www.idc.com/itforum02.