How do you see Leica moving after Leica M10 introduction?
Oliver Kaltner: I said yesterday that the Leica M is our backbone, and it is, in our portfolio. But we have to enrich our portfolio all the last three years with introduction of Leica Q, SL, and the forthcoming S actually. We can separate our business into three type of dimension. One dimension is professional segment, like Leica S and SL, sometimes also Leica M, the other segment is photo segment or consumer segment: Leica M, Q, TL, X, D-lux, V-lux, and C, and obviously Leica Sofort.
And the good thing about this company is we are not after market share. I don’t care about market share at all. I dont care about volume business at all. But I do care is that, what ever product that we launch today must have relevant point for 20-30 years, and most of the product that we already launch are still in the second hand market, you might see in auction in 20 years. So it is completely different perspective or developing and launching product.
All the product line that we have now are important, that’s why we have them. It is a bit inside information, but I am willing to share that. We have some years in the past, when Leica m business stands for 60% of total business of the company. This was very unhealthy. Leica M business should stands for about 35%.
Leica SL has still more potential, and camera system outstanding but we need better in term of customer service and financial services. Leica S will remain our flagship on our pro segment. I’m very sure that we will keep those product line.
If we’re making a business decision on a product line is never for three years, always for a decade at least.
