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By: Richard Del Cazzo
Web site: http://www.hdtv-hdtv.com
Japanese consumer appliances major Hitachi has decided to
skip the vast mass market for televisions and concentrate
on premium products. It will tap the home-theatre segment
with a focus on plasma televisions.
The increasing demand for high-end products is growing in
the country with buyers comprising corporate as well as individuals.
Korean majors Samsung and LG, who are making roadways into
the smaller markets, presently dominate the mass televisions
market.
Tarun Jain, regional marketing manager of Hitachi Home Electronics
Asia, says: “The growing demand is evident from the
fact that India is the first country in the Asian region where
we have launched the entire range of Hitachi plasma and LCD
televisions. We aim to take a 10 to 15 per cent share of the
market this year and 20 to 25 per cent next year.”
The domestic plasma television market was 3,500 units in
2003 and is expected to grow to 8,000 units this year and
jump to 25,000 units in 2006.
Major buyers include airports, hotels, banks and multinationals.
Globally, the Hitcahi plasma television market is estimated
at 27 lakh units, of which Hitachi has a 24 per cent share.
The Asian market is estimated to reach 8 lakh units in 2004.
Hitachi has priced its products between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs
6.95 lakh in India. The products include the complete range
of home-theatre items like built-in tuner, speakers and stands.
The company already sells air-conditioners in India through
its subsidiary Hitachi Home & Life Solutions (India) Limited
and plans to launch refrigerators soon.
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