Samsung

Last updated: 28 November 2008

Samsung – Nice little sideline Award for selling tanks, not just TVs

              

A diverse product range is the norm for multinational consumer brands. Electronics firms in particular can stretch from cell phone handsets to flat screen TVs. However, Samsung appears to be taking diversity to a whole new level with a highly profitable line in armoured tanks.

The standard bearer of Samsung-Techwin, the military manufacturing arm of the Korean electronics giant, is the K-9 Thunder howitzer tank. The K-9 is employed by, among others, The Republic of Korea army and the Turkish army.

Samsung’s foray into military hardware is not new, and it is by no means the only high street name with ties to the defence industry. For instance car manufacturer Saab has made anti-tank guns, and Sony has a history of developing weapons guidance systems. But for consumers concerned about the social responsibility credentials of the brands they buy, it is important that such business ventures are measured against any ethical standards a company may claim to uphold.

In an action packed promotional video for its military wing, Samsung, “strives to bring peace throughout the world” with its weapon systems. The company’s website says it “takes active strides to achieve the betterment of society on a global scale”. We think sticking to television sets would perhaps be a safer way of doing this.

Luke Upchurch, Consumers International Head of Media:

“Consumers have a right to know if a high street brand keeps up a sideline in military hardware. For many conscientious consumers, this could be a major factor in their decision to purchase a particular brand or not. Companies should remember that they’re responsible for their entire product range, and that a glossy ethical policies report is not enough to convince many of today’s shoppers. ”