HTC aims for 15% share in Indian smartphone market

Company aims to introduce 3-5 new phones in next 4 months

Smartphone maker HTC aims to expand its market share in India to 15 per cent by introducing new products, expanding distribution network and increasing the number of service centres.

It aims to introduce three-five new phones in the next four months. The company also plans to enter 80-85 cities and open 100 more service centres over the next six months. Currently, HTC sells 11 different types of smartphones across 65-70 cities and has 250 service centres in India.

“Our aspiration is to have a 14-15 per cent market share in India in future. There is no definite timeframe for achieving this target. Two years back, analysts put our market share in India at 1-1.3 per cent. Now, it is mentioned in the range of three-six per cent. We are expanding the distribution network, engaging closely with our retail and operating partners and increasing the number of service centres across the country. We want to grow faster than the industry,” Faisal Siddiqui, country head of HTC in India, said.

Industry analysts estimate that close to 18 million smartphones were sold in the country during 2012 and expect the number to touch 25 million this year. HTC handsets in India are currently priced between Rs 13,500–Rs 51,000. Siddiqui said the company was exploring the possibility of introducing a new smartphone priced below Rs 10,000.

“We don't build mass market products but want the masses to use our products. We are looking at a product that will be priced below Rs 10,000. We have not finalised it yet. India is among HTC’s top markets and we will continue introducing new products in this market,” Siddiqui said.

The company is currently introducing two new handsets – HTC One Dual Sim and HTC One Mini – in the Indian market. It is also launching accessories like HTC Fetch (a device to track your handset) and HTC Mini+ (which pairs with select HTC phones and allows users to take calls and send text messages when the phone is charging).