Samsung India’s deputy managing director R Zutshi spoke to FE’s Neha Pal about the company’s plans to double the sales volume of flat panel televisions to 12 lakh units in the Indian market by this year. The market size of flat panel televisions is 3 million, out of which Samsung is targeting to sell 1.2 million this year. Excerpts:
Tell us something about the new range of 3D televisions that Samsung has come out with.
Samsung is the first consumer durable company that has launched 10 models of 3D TV across LED, LCD and plasma platforms. Our products are available in the market from this week onwards. We have also started production of the new product from our Noida facility.
What is the price range for Samsung 3D televisions?
Samsung 3D LED televisions are available in sizes between 40 inches to 65 inches, priced between Rs 1,30,000 to Rs 4,35,000 while the 3D LCD series is available in the 46 and 55 inches screen sizes priced at Rs 1,29,000 and Rs 1,86,900. 3D televisions are expensive for a middle-class person. What do you want to say on this?
Keeping this in mind, we have tied up with Sundaram Finance and Bajaj Finance, so that our customers can also pay us the money in installments. Moreover, today’s middle class has a good disposable income and we are sure that our 3D televisions will find a good market in India.
What are the investment plans of Samsung for the year 2010?
We are planning to make $15 million of investments in India, out of which $10 million would be used in plant on air conditioner manufacturing and $5 million on home appliances.
How much turnover do you expect this year?
Our 2009 turnover was $ 2.2 billion and we expect a 40% growth on that.
What are your sales plans in televisions for this year?
The market size for flat panel televisions is 30 lakh. With the introduction of new products, the company plans to double the sales volume of flat panel televisions to 12 lakh units by this year. We plan to sell around 3 lakh LED television and 30,000 units of 3D televisions.