New Launches…
n a bid to increase the GSM customer base and strengthen its position in the Indian market, LG Electronics has introduced their unique range of GSM phones equipped with the latest technology and features. Three models, namely P7200, S5200 and S5000, have been launched catering to the high-end market, while the C2500 has been introduced in the mid-end segment. “LG has launched these phones keeping in mind the customers from varied segments and to cater to the rapidly evolving handset market in the country,” said Mr. Bhatia.
The P-7200 GSM handset is equipped with remarkable features, targeted at the high-end segment in India. The model introduces the new concept of Unlimited Video Recording and has a two mega pixel camera with video download and playback support. The best buy for the same would be Rs.19,500/- and would be loaded with accessories like Data Cable, 64 MB micro SD Card and a Stereophonic Headset Kit. The S-5200 GSM handset has all the desired features expected by the next-generation mobile phone users of today. It is MP3 enabled with DJ repeat effect, MP3 ringtones,
Bluetooth matched with style and looks. The best buy for the same is Rs.13,500/- and would be loaded with accessories like Data Cable and a Stereophonic Headset Kit.
The LG S-5000 the trendy looking phone with Granite Finish is one of the lightest handsets available in the market in India and is expected to attract all the segments of mobile enthusiasts as it comes at a competitive price of Rs.9,990. It is fitted with a 1.3-mega pixel camera, Bluetooth, MMS, GPRS, JAVA, 262K Colour Display, 1,000 phone book memory, etc. The LG C2500 is a true bonanza for music lovers. This phone comes with MP3 player, MP3 ringtones, FM Radio and VGA CMOS Camera and is priced at Rs.6,990/-.
With the launch of these four new handsets, the company today has 14 trendy GSM models available in the market. He further added, ”LG Electronics plans to launch 18 handsets, which would enable us to consolidate its position further in the GSM handset market.””
The New Vision…
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Bhatia said, “The GSM business is undoubtedly going to be the biggest growth driver in 2006. This year, we would clearly focus on providing a lot of value additions to upgrade existing basic and mid-end consumer.” The vision for LG Electronics in 2006 is to grow by 300 per cent in the GSM business.
Presently, the company is at No.5 position in the GSM market and targets to capture the No. 3 position before the end of this year. LG is also committed to increasing its dealer network in 2006 and wants to almost double its network from 11,000 GSM dealers to 20,000 GSM dealers by December 2006. The company already has a strong CE and HA Network across India. It retails its GSM handsets from both the CE/HA outlets as well as GSM dealers, thus increasing the accessibility for end-consumers.
“We are going directly to the market with more than 200 Distributors and also have more than 150 direct Retail Partners,” informed Mr. Bhatia.
He further informed that service is the company’s strength and has over 210 GSM customer service centres across the country. LG also has a concept of One Hour Service to the customer, which is a unique concept in the mobile industry where all GSM service complaints are solved within one hour of being brought to the service centre. In case we need to work on the handset for more than an hour, then we provide the customer with a standby handset for the time being.
Rang-De-Basanti promo…
The reason why the film Rang De Basanti was chosen as the platform for C2500 was purely because of the synergy and emotions it conveyed; more so, the film and the brand share a similar target group, a group of people who looked for a change, who are spirited. A new generation awakens is what the movie personified and the phone (features) is targeted at the generation next.
Finally…
The current GSM market size is about 20 million handsets. Though LG has been a latecomer in the GSM market in India, we have received a very encouraging response from the market. Currently, LG’s market share in the GSM market is about 4 per cent. He further added that LG mobiles (GSM & CDMA) occupy about 20 per cent of the handset market’s share in India. And, whether LG has any tie-ups with the service provider in the GSM stream is not known as of now, as the company is in discussion with some operators for the same. But what is known today is that LG has launched a new range of products with a vision. How successful the new initiatives will be? This, only the time will tell.
