LG eyes top slot in flat screen mart

LG India is planning to become market leader in the high-end flat screen technology (FST) segment by the end of the year. The segment consists of liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions and Plasma TVs.

Market leader Samsung, in January-June 2006, had 45.7 per cent share in the LCD segment compared with LG's 39 per cent in the period (Source:ORG-GFK).

"We are confident of attaining top spot in the FST segment by the year-end on the back of new products and an enhanced product range," said Girish Rao, vice president, (sales and marketing), LG Electronics India.

At present, LG has a range of 14 models in the FST segment "� six in plasma (from 42 inch to 71 inch) and ten in LCD (from 20 inch to 42 inch).

In comparison, Samsung has 15 models "� four in plasma (42 inch to 63 inch) and 11 in LCD (20 inch to 46 inch).

However, Samsung executives say they will retain their lead. A company spokesperson said Samsung would not just retain its market position but also account for one of every two FST televisions sold by the year end (a market share of 50 per cent).

However, it seems unlikely that LG and Samsung can share the entire market between themselves. Other equally prominent brands are present in the segment.

While Sony has a 10.9 per cent share in LCDs, others such as Philips have 2.5 per cent share while the remaining 1.9 per cent is shared between Panasonic, Onida and Hitachi. Analysts say that the conservative market estimates for LCD televisions is in the range of 22,000 units.

Similarly in the Plasma television segment, the gap between Samsung and LG is closer. However, Sony is a strong number three. While Samsung leads again with 35.5 per cent followed by LG with 32.7 per cent, Sony has 22.1 per cent and Philips 5.2 per cent with the remaining 4.5 per cent distributed among the rest.

While ORG-GFK data puts the base at 6,300 units (half-yearly sales), industry estimates that sales have already gone past the 10,000 unit mark by July 2006.