Hitachi to tap 10 pc of LCD, 20 pc of plasma market

New Delhi, Nov 25: Tokyo-based Hitachi has said it will capture 10 per cent of the Indian market in the LCD category and 20 per cent of market in the plasma segment by 2008-end.

''We are optimistic of capturing 10 per cent of the Indian LCD market and 20 per cent of the plasma category by the next year-end,'' Hitachi Home Electronics Asia (S) Pte Ltd (HHES) Country Head Tarun Jain told reporters here.

The company also announced that it would launch ultra thin series of LCD televisions in the country by the first quarter of 2008, tapping the high-end customers.

Hitachi also unveiled its plans of penetrating into tier two cities.

''There is good prospect of growth in the tier two cities, consequently, we are planning to move into these cities in a focussed manner and undertake a 35 per cent increase in retail oulets, a 65 per cent increase in the number of Hitachi exclusive galleries and 35 per cent expansion in the service zone, '' Mr Jain said.

Hitachi will also set up a company-owned centre very soon to bolster its existing service network. The company will spend Rs 15 crore to promote its flat panel displays.

The company is also carrying out a feasibility study to open a manufacturing facility in India to meet the growing demand of LCD and plasma screens, the Country Head said.

At present, the company's market share in the LCD category in India is five per cent and 15 per cent in plasma category.

Hitachi has six subsidiaries in India, the largest being Hitachi Home Elctronics Asia(S) Pte Ltd. HHES offers a line of product which include high-end plasma and LCD televisions, DVD camcorders, LCD projectors and home theatre systems. There are 10 Hitachi galleries across five cities in the country, 150 retail outlets and 45 service centres.

UNI