In the second half of FY2015, new products were launched in office services but existing products took time to sell through, so the impact in 3Q was smaller than expected. However, preparations for 4Q have already been completed.
By region also there has been no change in our basic value-added sales approach. With regard to the North American market that had a particularly difficult 2Q and 3Q, even though price competition remained fierce, the direct sales pipeline recovered strongly in November and December. Our channel partners naturally knew about the switch to new products and expected promotions, but we kept these to a minimum, with the result that inventory in the reseller channel was quite low by the end of December. This strategy of not overexerting in 3Q and reaping the rewards in 4Q has moved us within striking range of the internal targets for 4Q in North America.
In the commercial and industrial printing field, the flagship "bizhub PRESS C1100" model has the top share in its category in the US and Europe. To some extent we are creating this market, so we will work to strengthen our approach.
By region also there has been no change in our basic value-added sales approach. With regard to the North American market that had a particularly difficult 2Q and 3Q, even though price competition remained fierce, the direct sales pipeline recovered strongly in November and December. Our channel partners naturally knew about the switch to new products and expected promotions, but we kept these to a minimum, with the result that inventory in the reseller channel was quite low by the end of December. This strategy of not overexerting in 3Q and reaping the rewards in 4Q has moved us within striking range of the internal targets for 4Q in North America.
In the commercial and industrial printing field, the flagship "bizhub PRESS C1100" model has the top share in its category in the US and Europe. To some extent we are creating this market, so we will work to strengthen our approach.