Kyocera Electronics Ltd, the Reading, Berkshire-based UK subsidiary of the Japanese ceramics and electronics company Kyocera Corp announced the European launch of its Multilight range of personal computers at the Orgatec office trade fair in Cologne on October 25 (CI No 1,452). This marks the company’s entry into the UK personal computer market with the first of its own-branded products. The Multilight series, which Kyocera optimistically sees positioned under Compaq, initially comprises four models. The 386sx and 386/25 desktop models, using the AT bus are available in the UK this month, while the EISA-based 386/33 and 80486 floor-standing towers will be available early next year. The machines, which are being manufactured in Japan, are not being launched in the US, the company says, due to tariff charges and consequential price increases. Nor will they be available in Japan – wise Kyocera knows not to try to compete with NEC Corp. But, as far as Europe is concerned, Kyocera reckons that a decade of supplying computers on an OEM basis to major personal computer vendors, such as Tandy Corp, stands the company in good stead to launch its own range. When asked if the company’s previous anonymity in the personal computer sphere was going to be a hinderance to getting the Multilight computers off the ground, Kyocera admitted it would have to work to raise its profile to succeed in such an over-crowded market. Dave Poskett, just appointed manager of the personal computer division of Kyocera Electronics after eight years with Hewlett-Packard, said that the company’s reasons for moving into the personal computer market were that this is a market that continues to grow despite current economic conditions and Kyocera feels it can respond to the customer demand for high performance but low cost standards-based machines. Kyocera says the Multilight range has been designed specifically for the European market following a research programme – carried out in conjunction with market research analysts Dataquest – which revealed a decline in the 8086 and 80286-based marketplace as 80386SX-based machines become thought of by most potential business users as the most feasible point of entry into personal computing. The Multilight personal computer range boasts small footprint, and engineering based on a modular design. Kyocera emphasises that it now offers a complete complementary system – computer, laser printer, scanner and maintenance support. The company has expanded its sales service and support groups at Reading and a telephone hot-line consultancy service has been set up. Kyocera is offering free one year on-site maintenance for the Multilight personal computers. The new range, beginning with the 386sx and the 386/25, will be available through dealers nationwide, with prices of UKP2,190 for the 3862x with 2Mb RAM and 50Mb hard disk UKP2,450 for 100Mb hard disk; and UKP2,950 for the 386/25 with 2Mb and 50Mb hard disk – UKP3,250 for 100Mb disk. All come with mouse and MS-DOS 4.01. Monitor options include the MultiSync SVGA priced at UKP650, and the VGA monitor for UKP490. Kyocera says it is aiming to ship 2,000 machines per month within the next 12 months – the company is optimistically hoping to reach the same level of success as it has in Europe with its printers. Following Kyocera’s takeover of AVX Corp last year (CI No 1,274), there are plans to begin manufacturing in sites such as Rouen. – Susan Norris
