The confusing saga of TAG McLaren Audio entered its second phase earlier today, when the company released a short statement concerning the outcome of its ‘strategic review’. Readers may remember the huge blow dealt to TAG customers when its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Udo Zucker, announced that the company would “…cease development of new products…” just a few short weeks ago.
Today, in a style the industry is quickly becoming accustomed to, TAG reversed that decision, leaving dealers, customers and industry commentators scratching their heads wondering what all the fuss was about in the first place. “All publicity is good publicity” as they say, and if nothing else, awareness of the TAG brand has certainly increased since the late July statement.
Today’s press release:
“TAG McLaren Audio Limited announces result of its Strategic Review
“On 28/07/2003 TAG McLaren Audio Ltd (TMA) announced that it would conduct a strategic review as a result of the current economic climate.
“The result of the review is:
TMA will remain in its purpose-built facility in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
TMA will continue to manufacture its product range
TMA will focus on home cinema products
TMA will maintain ongoing Research and Development
TMA will provide after sales support, including Helpdesk, Service & Maintenance
TMA will be resized to match its home cinema product range
TAG McLaren Audio would like to thank all its customers for their support during this turbulent time and looks forward to doing business with them in the future.”
Good news for TAG customers for sure, although quite what is meant by “TMA will be resized…” is likely to fuel further speculation. One wonders how long it will be before TAG’s management change their minds yet again, whether their business will recover from the uncertainties of the last few weeks and if we’ll ever see a TAG source component that offers high-resolution audio. Our fingers and toes are crossed.