Sony’s Television Stimulus Plan – Cash for Junkers

Trade in strategy used in attempt to bolster lagging sales in UK.

Sony’s sales in the UK have been less than impressive as of late, and they’ve taken a bit of inspiration from the US and UK governments by offering a trade in program for old televisions. Seeing the success of Britain’s “New for Old” program and “Cash for Clunkers” in the US, Sony is now offering up to two hundred Euros (around $300 US) to customers who trade in old television sets to purchase new ones.

Irish news site RTE reports that British motorists have bought over 150,000 new cars due to the government’s program, and Sony is hoping their incentive program will provide a similar effect. Of course, there’s an ecological claim as well, as a Sony spokesman says, “The campaign itself offers customers the advantages of swapping old for new rather than simply throwing away - encouraging old televisions to be responsibly disposed of.”