Whirlpool unveils new products, to invest USD 20 mn in India

Hyderabad, May 10 (UNI) Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of the Whirlpool Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, today unveiled its new products -- across four categories of Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners and Dryers.

The company also announced that it will invest USD 20 million over the next 18 months for new product support in India.

Whirlpool India Vice-President (Marketing) Shantanu Das Gupta said after attaining leadership in the direct cool (refrigerator) segment, the company aims to gain leadership in the frost-free (refrigerator) segment with the launch of the Mastermind frost-free refrigerator.

''With the series of launches in 2006, the company recorded a jump of 19 per cent in gross sales and has set impressive targets for the year 2007. With the launch of Whirlpool 'Mastermind' range of refrigerators, 'Sensation Neo' washing machine and 'MagiCool' air conditioners, the company will further strengthen its foothold in the four categories in the year 2007.'' ''The company expects to notch up a 27 per cent market share in the refrigerator category, 20 per cent in the washing machine category and 10 per cent in the air conditioner category in the country this year.'' With its products available across 10,000 retail outlets in the country, the company plans to spend Rs 70 crore on advertising and marketing this year.

UNI