IFA International spoke with Rob Simons, Marketing and Sales Manager SANGEAN Europe B.V., about the pioneering Taiwanese radio manufacturer’s past, present and future.

As IFA celebrates its 100th anniversary, this is also a big year for SANGEAN marking the brand’s 50th anniversary. Can you tell us about some of the key milestones for SANGEAN over the last five decades?
Founded in 1974, SANGEAN officially launched its first dual band AM/FM radio in 1975, marking the start of its journey in revolutionising audio technology. SANGEAN leveraged its expertise in shortwave radios to develop the ATS-909, which won the Taiwan Excellence Award and the WRTH Award for Best Shortwave Portable Radio in the 1990s. As lifestyles evolve and radios become less of a daily necessity, SANGEAN introduced the first tabletop wooden radio, transforming radios into luxury items, blending functionality with sophisticated aesthetics.

What innovations and special edition products can visitors discover on SANGEAN’s stand at IFA this year?
Highlighting this milestone are our exclusive anniversary editions: the WR-55 for the US market, the WR-101 for Europe, and the WR-7X for Taiwan. The WR-101 combines retro analogue AM/FM tuning with Bluetooth streaming technology, offering a perfect blend of classic charm and contemporary functionality.

How is SANGEAN reflecting on the past while embracing the future, anticipating future trends in the industry?
Even with the accessibility of music streaming applications, the variety offered by radio remains unmatched. Another key trend is disaster preparedness. Unlike phones, which rely on vulnerable networks, weather radios provide reliable emergency information: these specialised receivers access public broadcasts from government stations, offering timely weather updates and alerts.

Hall 12 / Stand 107

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