Sony number three most trusted brand

Annual survey reveals trusted electronic, computer, telco and phone brands

By Reseller News Staff, Auckland | Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Sony was the standout technology brand in the Readers’ Digest `Most Trusted’ annual consumer survey.

The company held on to its first place in the electronics category, gained first place in the computers category and third place overall. Sony improved on last year’s overall ranking of ninth.

General manager of consumer marketing Matt Walton-Smith says the company is delivering quality products such as Playstation consoles and engaging in plenty of brand activity.

“We spend a lot of time on communicating with customers and finding out what they want. Sony also does a lot of research and gathers information through internet activity and direct communication to as many consumers as we can.”

We’re very happy with where we have finished up [in the survey] and aim to improve that if we can.”

HP was relegated to runner up spot in the computers category after winning last year, but personal systems group marketing manager Warwick Grey says the result is still pleasing.

“The result reflects that customers are being looked after through our 0800 presale and postsale numbers.”

He adds that HP also engages consumers through an online chat support with an agent. “It’s also a reflection of the service provided by our channel partners who can keep [consumer] sites up and running.”

Vodafone was again first in telecommunications, while Nokia retained its number one spot among mobile phone brands.

Panasonic moved up from spot 20 to ninth place overall.

Telecom came near the bottom of the overall list at 130, far behind Vodafone at 54 and TelstraClear at 112.

Category kings

Electronics:
Winner: Sony
Runner-up: Panasonic

Mobile phones:
Winner: Nokia
Runner-up: Samsung

Computers:
Winner: Sony
Runner-up: HP

Telecommunications:
Winner: Vodafone
Runner-up: TelstraClear