Jabra sees 200% growth in sales; plans 2,200 POS by year-end

New Delhi, May 6 (UNI) Leading bluetooth headsets (BTH) maker Jabra today said it has witnessed a 200 per cent growth in sales volume in the country in 2007 and continue the momentum by setting up 2,200 points of sales (POS) by year-end.

''We started with a target of 1,500 POS which now stands at 1,675. We are now targeting 2,200 POS by this year-end,'' The company also plans to unveil five new models, two of which will be in the premium range, he added.

In India, 50 per cent of the BTH are sold through the grey market.

The Denmark-based company expects the Indian organised BTH market to grow to 3.5 million units by 2010 as well the prices to come down.

When asked about the marketing strategy amid the rising competition in the accessories market, Mr Khan said, ''we offer products at each price point and have competitive rates.'' India ranks second in the company's Asia-pacific region after China and has a 20 per cent market share in BTH globally.

Asked if the company plans to set up a research and development unit in the country, Mr Khan said, ''going by the current growth rates, we will surely look into such options.'' BTH have been costly given the high rate of import duties paid.

''We pay in excess of 38 per cent in duties while some states charge VAT at 12 per cent, taking the prices higher,'' said Mr Khan.

Jabra's manufacturing unit is located in China.

The company is also in talks with automobile companies for one of its products, SP700. The headset will be priced at about Rs 4,000 and will enable the car's speakers to function as the phone's speakers.

It already has a similar model, SP5050, in the market.

UNI SR MP AS1714