GCC delivers strong growth for Philips consumer electronics in first quarter of 2004

These increases over the same period in 2003 also were driven by strong institutional sales, which included the installation of 400 TVs at Bahrain's International Circuit, home of the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The breakdown by country included a whopping 200% growth in Bahrain, 122% growth in Qatar, a similar 120% jump in Oman, 40% growth in Kuwait and a 20% increase in the United Arab Emirates.

"Consumers continue to choose Philips' innovative and stylish products because they enhance the viewing and listening experience, whether at home or on the go. With thanks to our customers and to the partnerships of trust with our distributors, we at Philips celebrate another set of truly impressive sales figures," said Khalid Tuer, Regional General Manager, Philips Consumer Electronics MEA.

"We are committed to continuing this impressive level of growth into the future through enjoyable shopping experiences at our distributors' showrooms and with products designed and developed to give viewers and listeners the most rewarding experiences," Tuer added.

Television sets helped drive these dramatic year-on-year results, as product-line figures for the UAE show.

The 25/29-inch TV sets jumped an enormous 129%, while Flat and Slim TVs grew by nearly the same amount, at 122%.

DVD players/recorders continued to sell strongly, with sales up 66%, while home-theatre-in-a-box systems climbed 54%.

The strong start to the year continues the double- and triple-digit sales growth across the consumer electronics product lines recorded during 2003.