Toshiba takes pole position in the Middle East notebooks race

The report confirms Toshiba's sales growth of 104 per cent over the same period last year, and for the first time places the company on top of the chart with 21.1 per cent market share against other industry heavyweights in the region.

Ahmed Khalil, Toshiba general manager for the Middle East and Africa reaches today a tough target that he and his team had set themselves when he became general manager back in 2004. Khalil attributes this success to several reasons but points out the company's ability to understand regional differences, adapt to each market and partner with a financially strong and reputable network of partners.

'Toshiba's results are all down to the team's continuous effort in the region. We have experienced a phenomenal rate of growth thanks to our commitment to innovation in sales and marketing strategies, competitive price points and a solid channel strategy that allow us to reach both consumers and businesses of all size in the most efficient manner." comments Khalil.

"I can confidently say that we have reached our targets and these results stand us in good stead to sustain this growth through to 2006. I am certain that Toshiba has all the ingredients to maintain its leadership position in the notebook PC industry."

Toshiba's performance was particularly strong in growing markets like Egypt that sees the company leading with a market share of 26.7 per cent. These sales figures put Toshiba strongly in the lead in Egypt where the second ranked company performed a double the average market growth.

The leading trend is also present in other markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Toshiba faired 53 per cent over the average market growth in the increasingly important Saudi market and a steady 89.5 per cent year-on-year growth in the UAE.

Khalil concludes: "Our commitment to technology innovation at all levels of our portfolio is key to our success and we look forward to increasing market leadership in 2006.

'As mobility becomes more and more engrained in daily life, we are constantly working with our channel partners to ensure quick response to market change and that is why Toshiba is always perceived as a leader in technology and quality across the MEA region.

'For 2006, Toshiba plans to maintain this leadership with a focus on the SMB segment via innovative channel programmes and activities. "We plan to continue the good work we have been doing with our partners and make sure that they share our success."