By Patrick Avenell

MELBOURNE, VIC: Pioneer is back selling TVs but has no plans to release these new ‘Elite’ branded models in Australia. Pioneer exited the flat panel market in early 2009 to focus on its core categories, with the celebrated Kuro brand being retired.

Having now signed a cooperative agreement with Sharp, Pioneer is distributing LCD panels in the US and Canada under a new brand called ‘Elite’.

“Following the decision to cease manufacturing of our Kuro plasma TVs in 2009, we have already taken critical steps towards carving out a new, prosperous chapter in Pioneer’s 45 year Australian history. Audio is the company’s forte and we have no plans to re-enter the flat panel market in Australia,” said Pioneer general manager of sales and marketing Chris Kotis.

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