Samsung has revealed that it is ceasing production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone for good, after a number of the handsets exploded, burst into flames, or expelled dangerous smoke. Yesterday, the Korean company claimed that the halt on production of the Note 7 was merely temporary while it investigated the root of the problem, but today has confirmed that it will not be resuming manufacture of the errant phone.
“We recently readjusted the production volume for thorough investigation and quality control, but putting consumer safety as top priority, we have reached a final decision to halt production of Galaxy Note 7s,” Samsung told the BBC this afternoon. “For the benefit of consumers’ safety, we stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 and have consequently decided to stop production.”
Earlier today, Samsung had reiterated that it was halting sales of the Note 7 and was recalling all handsets (without actually using the word ‘recall,’ of course).
“We are working with relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note7,” Samsung said in an official press release. “Because consumers’ safety remains our top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 while the investigation is taking place.”
“We remain committed to working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation,” the press release added. “Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available.”
The Note 7 debacle is sure to result in “a considerable loss of consumer faith,” according to Greg Roh of HMC Investment Securities.
“If it’s once, it could be taken as a mistake. But for Samsung, the same thing happened twice with the same model,” Roh said. “The reason consumers prefer brands like Samsung and Apple is because of product reliability. So in this case, brand damage is inevitable and it will be costly for Samsung to turn that around again.”
While Samsung did accept round 45,000 pre-orders across Europe for the Galaxy Note 7, it was never released in the UK. Nevertheless, if you managed to obtain a Note 7 within a country in which it was not on sale, you are still advised to return the item, even if that item is a replacement.
