History | Pioneer

History

1937 Pioneer's founder, Nozomu Matsumoto, successfully develops the A-8 dynamic speaker.

1938 Fukuin Shokai Denki Seisakusho (predecessor of Pioneer) is established in Tokyo.

1947 Incorporated as Fukuin Denki.

1953 Introduces PE-8.

1961 Changes the name to Pioneer Electronic Corporation (now Pioneer Corporation) and shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Second Section.

1962 Introduces the world's first separate stereo system.

1966 Establishes sales companies in Europe and the U.S.

1967 Shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section and the Osaka Securities Exchange (delisted on the Osaka Securities Exchange in January 2006).

1969 Shares are listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (now Euronext Amsterdam. Delisted in January 2006). Starts U.S. GAAP consolidated financial reporting.

1975 Introduces the world's first component car stereo.

1976 Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (delisted in January 2006).

Introduction of the Supertuner, a high-sensitivity tuner for the car stereo. This marked the first time a car audio tuner offered the same high quality sound that was found in a home audio tuner.

1977 Introduces the world's first two-way addressable CATV system in the U.S. (with Warner Cable).

1979 Introduces the industry-use LD player.

1980 Introduces LD player for home use, the VP-1000, in the U.S.

1981 Introduces LD player for home use and 70 titles of LD software in Japan.

1982 Introduces the LD Karaoke system for business use. Introduces CD player.

1984 Introduces the world's first LD combination player compatible with CDs and LDs, and releases the world's first car CD player.

1985 Introduces the 40-inch projection monitor.

Introduction of the first multi-play CD "magazine format" for the home.

1986 Introduction of the first stereo receiver for the home incorporating Dolby Surround sound.

1987 Introduction of the car electronics' industry's first 3-source DIN head unit with tape deck, CD player and radio tuner. Introduction of the first multi-play CD "magazine format" for the car.

1989 Introduction of Detachable Face Security system, providing car stereo owners with added protection against theft.

1990 Introduces the world's first GPS car navigation system.

1992 Introduces the world's first 4x CD-ROM changer.

1995 Debut of the first GM/Chrysler-sized aftermarket CD headunits. Introduction of the first home stereo receiver with Dolby Digital.

1996 Introduces DVD/CD player and the world's first DVD/LD/CD compatible player for home use. Tokorozawa Plant earns ISO 14001 certifications.

1997 Introduces world's first DVD car navigation systems, world's first OEL-equipped car audio product, world's first DVD-R drive, world's first high-definition 50-inch plasma display for consumer use. Supplies digital DBS IRDs to CANAL+ in France.

1998 Announces 2005 Vision with new CI. Introduces the world's first DVD car navigation system featuring 8.5GB dual-layered DVD disc.

1999 Introduces the world's first DVD recorder compatible with the DVD-RW format. Supplies digital CATV STBs to Time Warner Cable in the U.S.

2000 Shares of Tohoku Pioneer are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Second Section.

2001 Reviews 2005 Vision to reorganize it as the Pioneer Group Vision.

2002 Introduces GPS car navigation system with a wireless communication module.

Introduces a DVD recorder with hard disc drive.

2003 Total shipment worldwide of PC-use recordable DVD drives surpasses 5 million units.

2004 Introduces the world's first DVD player for professional DJs and VJs.

2006 Introduces PDP-5000EX, the world's first 50-inch 1080p plasma display.

2007 Introduces "KURO" plasma TV, offering stunning black reproduction.

Sharp and Pioneer enter into a business and capital alliance agreement.