The new generation AC will also feature jet cool technology which enables it to cool faster and results in power saving, claimed Pradeep Tognatta, general manager sales, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd, on a visit to Thiruvananthapuram. The Plasma technology AC would be a premium product which was earlier used only on premium range high wall split airconditioners.

Currently, LG has a number two position in airconditioners behind Carrier Aircon and number one position in retail. The company, which sold 10,000 ACs in the first year of operation, clocked sales of 40,000 in 1999, Tognatta said. ACs account for roughly 12 per cent of LG's turnover in India.

Under the plasma technology, there are two ionizers within theAC, each with a capacity of 6,500 watts. As a result of the working of these ionizers, claims LG, there is a bombardment of molecules resulting in the separation of clean air and dust-filled air. The clean air is directly sent to the room while the dust-filled air is collected in a dust collector and refined.

LG products have all along used the `health theme' as their USP: preserve nutrition (refrigerators), fabric care (for washing machines), Golden Eye stress-free viewing (for TV), and healthy air for ACs.

Another innovation of LG is the `door cooling' refrigerator being introduced in the country. This ensures uniform cooling in all parts of the refrigerator. LG proposes to manufacture frost-free refrigerators and later colour monitors at its Noida plant soon. At present it manufactures colour TVs, airconditioners, microwave ovens, and semi-automatic washing machines.

LG expects to clock a turnover of Rs 1,500 crore next year and hopefully may go public in 2002, Pradeep Tognatta said. Direct marketingand telemarketing are the options being explored to strengthen LG brands, he added.