| Sony eyes top slot in LCDs, 30% growth in India |
| BS Reporter / Mumbai June 6, 2007 |
| Japanese electronics giant Sony aims to topple its Korean competitors to bag the top slot in the Indian LCD market. The company has identified LCD, digital cameras, handycams and laptops to achieve 30% growth in India. The company is targeting the value market segment on the back of introducing technologically advanced products and customer service. Masaru Tamagawa, managing director, Sony India, told Business Standard, "Though the potential in volume is not big, the company is targeting the upper end of the consumers in India. The company plans to achieve leadership position in LCDs above the 32-inch screen size and is targeting digital camera segment priced upwards of Rs 10,000." Following its promotion in the recently concluded cricket world cup, it plans to aggressively promote Bravia LCDS in India. Sony has also launched high definition handycams and Cyber Shot models in the premium range. "The company is addressing a niche segment with not much expectations in volume terms. About 70% of the Japenese consumers converted to the high definition models when Sony launched them in Japan. We estimate that the trend will come to India, but will take some time," said Tamagawa. Sony, which enjoys 50% of the global handycam maket, aims to sell 3 lakh pieces this year in India. It has a 30% share in the Indian digital camera market, which is pegged at 1 million units. While other consumer durable companies are announcing research and capacity expansion in India, Sony has decided to continue with its thrust on marketing. Explaining the rationale behind it, Tamagawa said, "With increasing Internet connectivity and higher educational levels, Indian consumers are well aware about the latest trends. The consumer demand is for international models and we don |
