Benq launches in Latin America. (Technology Trends).

Benq, a new brand name in "digital lifestyle devices," has been officially launched in Latin America.

The company, formerly Acer Group's communications and multimedia unit, is launching its full line of products in the region, including computer display, digital storage, imaging, printing and wireless handsets. Upon its launch worldwide, Benq was a US$3.2 billion company, in which Latin America will play a significant role.

Nearly 70 Latin American channel partners and their guests gathered aboard a Miami-to-Bahamas-bound cruise ship to celebrate the launch and view extensive tableaus of scanners, storage devices, cameras and LCD monitors, plasma displays among others.

Peter Tan, president of Benq Latin America, outlined the company's commitment: Leading-edge technology products, 24-7 support to its distributor network, and improved profits and revenue based on 20%-a-year growth. The expansion will be supported by advertising, a road show in Latin America to introduce its 2003 products, and a large presence at Comdex.

Focusing on the corporate market and the channel, Tan said Benq will add distributors and retailers throughout the next year and may open a manufacturing plant in Brazil later. The Taiwan-based company already is a leader in Latin America. It is ranked number 3 in Latin America in scanners, in the top five in display CRTs, and the top 4 in storage drives. By 2006 , the company will be the leader in storage drives, in the top 2 for scanners, the top 3 for TFT LCDs, and in the top five for cell phones, Tan said. Globally, Benq expects to see more than $10 billion in revenue annually by 2006.

For more information, see www.benq.com or contact Tan at [e-mail].