History of Pioneer
Since its founding in 1938, it has been in Pioneer's DNA to deliver unforgettable experiences to people
around the world through a variety of world's first and industry's first products and services.
In recent years, we have leveraged a combination of our expertise in product development and manufacturing and
data-driven services to develop solutions that will resolve social issues and take mobility experiences to a new level.
Milestones
| 1937 | Pioneer's founder, Nozomu Matsumoto, develops the A-8 dynamic speaker. | |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 | Jan. | Fukuin Shokai Denki Seisakusho (precursor of Pioneer) founded. |
| 1947 | May | Fukuin Denki Kabushiki Kaisha incorporated. |
| 1953 | Dec. | Introduces Hi-Fi Speaker PE-8. |
| 1961 | Jun. | Company name changed to Pioneer Electronic Corporation (now Pioneer Corporation). |
| 1962 | Jun. | Introduces world's first separate stereo system. |
| 1966 | Mar. | Establishes sales subsidiaries in Europe and the U.S. |
| 1975 | Nov. | Introduces world's first component car stereo. |
| 1977 | Dec. | Introduces world's first two-way addressable CATV system in the U.S. (with Warner Cable). |
| 1979 | Feb. | Introduces world's first Laser Disc player (LD) for business use. |
| 1980 | Jun. | Introduces VP-1000 LD player for home use in the U.S. |
| 1984 | Oct. | Introduces world's first car CD player. |
| 1990 | Jun. | Introduces world's first GPS car navigation system for consumer market. |
| 1992 | Oct. | Introduces world's first 4x speed CD-ROM changer. |
| 1996 | Dec. | Introduces world's first DVD/LD/CD compatible player for home use. |
| 1997 | Jun. | Introduces industry's first DVD-based car navigation system. |
| Oct. | Introduces world's first DVD-R drive. | |
| Nov. | Introduces world's first OLED-equipped car audio product. | |
| Dec. | Introduces world's first 50-inch high-definition XGA plasma display for consumer use. | |
| 1998 | Jun. | Introduces world's first DVD-based GPS car navigation system featuring 8.5GB dual-layered DVD disc. |
| Oct. | Introduces new corporate logo. | |
| 1999 | Dec. | Introduces world's first DVD recorder. |
| 2001 | Jun. | Introduces HDD-based GPS car navigation system. |
| 2002 | Nov. | Introduces world's first car navigation system with built-in wireless communication module. |
| 2004 | Jul. | Introduces world's first DVD player for professional DJs and VJs. |
| 2006 | Jun. | Introduces world's first 50-inch 1080p plasma display. |
| 2008 | Jul. | Succeed in developing the world's first 16-layer BD-compatible optical disc with 400GB. |
| 2009 | Sep. | All of Pioneer's main production sites in Japan obtain the certification of ISO14001. |
| 2010 | Feb. | Introduces world's first speaker with HVT (Horizontal-Vertical Transforming) technology. |
| 2011 | May | Introduces car navigation system with augmented reality(AR) scouter mode. |
| 2012 | Jul. | Introduces world's first car navigation system with the Head-Up Displayto project augmented reality information. |
| 2013 | Mar. | ROHM Co., Ltd. and Pioneer suceeed in terahertz imaging using small semiconductor element "resonant tunneling diode." |
| Sep. | Introduces world first wireless portable BD/DVD/CD writer drive. | |
| 2015 | Jan. | Lanches Vehicle Assist, car solution system for fleet vehicles. |
| 2017 | Feb. | Introduces world's first BD writer compatible with Ultra HD Blu-ray. |
| 2018 | Jan. | Pioneer commemorates the 80th anniversary of its foundation on January 1. |
| 2019 | Nov. | Introduces new Cyber Navi car navigation system with upgraded capability to access on-demand content and designed to work with docomo in Car Connect service. |
| 2020 | May | Pioneer and Continental Agree on Strategic Partnership for a New User Experience. |
| Dec. | Introduces an in-car Wi-Fi router to bring Internet connectivity to the car. | |
| 2021 | Jun. | Pioneer and Cerence enter strategic partnership to develop conversational AI infotainment solutions. |
| Aug. | Establishes the SaaS Technology Center to push the SaaS business forward. | |
| 2022 | Feb. | Releases the mobility AI platform Piomatix. |
| Mar. | Introduces world's first AI-powered connected virtual driving partner NP1. |
