How many mobile phones LG is planning to launch in the coming months? Will the number be different for the global and Indian market?
We have planned to launch close-to 44 new models this year over the present portfolio of 28 phones currently available. In the new launches, 14 models would be youth-centric.
Till November 2008, LG India was very active and aggressive, but after the launch of Secret, LG became very slow. Any specific reasons?
It is not true as LG has always been very active in introducing new technologies in India and more so in the past two years. We have launched some key successors to our previous products like the new BL40, Chocolate and BL20, Chocolate Slider. Some world-class products like the Watch Phone, Viewty Smart and Arena have scaled up LG at a higher level.
Recently, you have announced brand ambassadors. What are your expectations?
We have roped in three brand ambassadors - John Abraham, Genelia D'souza and Abhay Deol. Our key focus is brand building while creating singular imagery with sustained visibility. The growth is fuelled by a three-fold strategy riding on aggressive channel expansion, launching new products and sustained marketing efforts in the marketplace.
How are your exclusive touch-and-feel outlets doing for Mobile phones?
LG has just launched its first mobile gallery in Kochi. The LG Mobile Gallery is an exclusively designed brand shop with an international ambience that will set new trends in the handset shopping experience to meet the diverse customer needs. With this launch, we aim to provide the exclusive LG Mobile Gallery retail environment that aligns with the brand identity platform.
What kind of expansion plans does LG have in mind for the ongoing financial year?
Taking forward the momentum of 2009, we are positive that the year 2010 will be the year of opportunities and success. With the target to acquire 10-per cent market share in the India GSM sector, the year will see bullish marketing strategies and executions leading to consumer delight. We will continue to come up with innovative handsets across genres – from the low-end to the technological marvel of the Android.
We will be strengthening our distribution system with the opening of 100 exclusive GSM Shoppes for LG in the country in 2010 and specific programmes designed for dealers.
After-sales service will also be one of the key focus areas this year. We are aiming to capture 10-per cent market share in the next year and will take it up to 15 per cent in the last quarter with bullish plans of launching 30 new handsets.
Are you thinking of expanding these outlets to other parts of India?
There is a strong focus on improving our retail presence and so also the number of outlets. The LG Mobile Gallery will be extended into Two-Wall and Three-Wall format. The Two-Wall format has been designed keeping in view an outlet intending to display an exclusive range of products, whereas the Three-Wall version of the LG Mobile Gallery is designed to cater to a wider product range and offer a more complete user experience.
How are LFRs doing the business for LG mobile phones?
LFRs have given us a good customer mix that has eventually helped us in reaping good profit. We have been doing pretty well with such LFRs and are now coming up with exclusive mobile galleries.
In the past two-three years, many new players have emerged who are offering handsets at a very low cost but loaded with features. How do you want to face competition at this level?
We always feel that healthy competition is beneficial for both brands and consumers. New players give us zeal to strengthen our brand and on our product features. We work towards building a product that gives our consumers what they want, and we have been doing the same always. We would not like to comment and compare our offerings with the competition. We do believe that our devices offer a very comprehensive and immersive device experience coupled with the latest cutting-edge features that can compete with the best in the business.
LG Mobile Phones all set to take you by storm in 2010
