Japan firm, Salora Int'l join hands in India

Two firms jointly launch range of electronic items

Another international consumer durable global player set its foot in Indian market by rolling out its products in Chandigarh today.

Japan-based TEAC in collaboration with Salora International Ltd today launched a range of electronic items in India in the presence of Hiroshi Tokushige, Global Head (Consumer Electronics) TEAC and Gopal Jiwarajka, Director Salora International Limited.

Hiroshi Tokushinge told media in Chandigarh that both the partners would have a synergy in distribution, manufacturing and brand licensing.

He added that both the companies have an understanding on distribution, technical knowhow and manufacturing of TEAC televisions and DVDs at the Salora's facility in Noida and day-to-day management of TEAC brand in India.

The company proposes to register sales of $ 100 million in the five year span.

The widw range of porducts launched today would include life style audio products like Nostalgia and Retro range, AV receivers, Hi-Fi's, mini Hi-Fi's, DVD Players, Home Theatre System, Plasma Televisions, LCD Televisions and CRT Televisions.

Gopal Jiwarjka said that with the products like Nostalgia and Retro range of music system, the company was eyeing the virgin market.

He added that Salora and TEAC do not have any conflicting interests as both would cater to different market segments. Differnet technologies would be used in manufacturing products for two brands. Chip mounted and surface mounted technology would be used in TEAC products. Separate marketing teams have been designated for both the brands.

According to him, the brand Salora was more visible in Tier two and three towns. "The company gets more fruitful response in non-metros by spending less amount on brand promotion and we find it more viable to sell in the markets those give us better response", he added.

Gopal Jiwarjka pointed out that they feel comfortable with a network of 15,000 dealers and this would help them penetrate the TEAC brand in the Indian market.

Salora would start manufacturing TEAC products in India in June this year at Noida plant. "Salora sold 100,000 television last year and has projected to sell 1,50,000 sets in the current year", he informed.

The company chose to launch its products in India from Chandigarh because Punjab has a viberant market and people here are more open to buying new products, he added.