BWI: AKAI Forays into Indian Mobile Handset Market

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: AKAI India
Tuesday, September 07, 2010 02:55 PM IST (09:25 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Business services, Electronic appliances & components, Household & personal care products & services, Telecommunications; Technology
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AKAI Forays into Indian Mobile Handset Market


New Delhi, Delhi, India, Tuesday, September 07, 2010 -- (Business Wire India) -- . First MNC to enter with complete range of dual SIM mobiles, with an initial line up of 10 models
. Mobiles to contribute 40% of AKAI India's planned turnover of 435 crore, in next 10 months
. Target monthly sales of 1 lakh handsets from next month onwards
. Handsets will be currently available in 8000 outlets across India, plans to increase presence to 20000 outlets by end September 2010

AKAI, one of the largest Japanese Consumer Electronics brands with an extensive presence in India announced its entry into the Mobile Handset segment in India today with the launch of 10 exciting new models in the dual SIM (GSM+GSM) category. The innovatively designed handsets are affordably prices between Rs.1895/- to Rs.7995/-. The range will appeal to consumers across all segments with a special focus on the youth and are currently available across 8000 retail outlets in the country with a targeted increase to 20,000 outlets by end-September 2010. AKAI branded mobile phones will be sold in India through Global Brands Enterprise Solutions Pvt. Ltd., which has the brand rights for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

AKAI handsets are easy to use, stylish, feature packed and come equipped with features which include Dual SIM, full touch 3-D user interface, wi-fi, long lasting battery, large high resolution QVGA screen, expandable memory, wireless FM with recording, high definition video recording, compatible with social networking sites, E-book compatibility and others providing all the right features for all target groups viz, entertainment, lifestyle, utility and contemporary. The product innovations are spread right from the product features to operation integrations and to service back-ups.

Creating a distinguished niche in the already cluttered space, Mr Pranay Dhabhai, Managing Director, AKAI India said, "AKAI is the first multi-national brand to be introducing a complete range of mobile handsets based on dual SIM platform which is presently dominated by local Indian brands. We have introduced a range of phones that will cater to the requirements of all segments of consumers across categories. With a legacy of over eight decades of expertise in the consumer electronics industry, AKAI is renowned globally for its value-driven Japanese technology and designs across verticals. We hope to become a prominent player in the Rs. 700 bn mobile handset market in the coming years. We are expecting an overall turnover of Rs 435 crore by July 2011 and mobile sales are expected to contribute around 40% of the total revenues with targeted monthly sales of One lakh handsets from October onwards."

"The mobile handset market in India is growing rapidly and there is a great demand for quality handsets. With AKAI mobiles now being available in India and with our Global expertise and understanding of Indian consumer needs, we will be giving a tough time not only to the Indian brand dominating the dual SIM segment, but also the other Multi National brands dominating the Indian mobile Industry. The features which were earlier confined only to high end models of global mobile handset brands will now be available on AKAI mobile phones at affordable prices, making them more accessible to consumers especially the youth," he added.

AKAI intends to offer distinct products which are ROHS complied for consumer safety and will come pre-equipped with friendly features complementing the overall brand positioning of High Quality products at smart prices.

Company sees after service to be an area not being focused by local brands and has invested heavily in setting up a complete service network all across India. Company has 465 service centres across length and breadth of India, of which 218 service centres are dedicated to provide Mobile phone service back-up, right from basic servicing to component level repairing. AKAI Mobiles will make significant initial investments and will be setting up its level 4 service centres in Gurgaon.

AKAI India is determined to establishing itself in the Indian Mobile Handset space through the most experienced and dedicated sales and product teams in the industry.

About AKAI India:

AKAI brand has its origins in JAPAN and now present Worldwide and has a very high re-call in India and has been present for the past decade. One of the largest Japanese Consumer Electronics brands with eight decades of lineage as a technology innovator in consumer electronics, Akai, announced its revival in the India market with the launch of its new range of ultra-slim LED, LCD High Definition and CRT televisions. AKAI's Indian product portfolio includes consumer electronics, appliances and telecom products. The company is targeting Rs 435 crore turnovers in the Indian market in the coming year. Global Brands Enterprise Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is the exclusive licensee for AKAI brand for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

About Global Brands Enterprise Solutions Pvt. Ltd.:

Global Brands was established in February 2009 with an objective to become a leading multi-brand, multi-product - sales, distribution, and logistics and after sales service company in India & neighboring countries. Company started to set up infrastructure from October 2009 and commercial activities started in January 2010. Besides being exclusive licensee for AKAI brand for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, Global Brands is also associated with HAIER brand (under an Agreement with Haier Group, China), where presently, have exclusive rights for business of Microwave Ovens and Modular Kitchens in India.

To view the photographs, please click on the links given below:

Left: Mr Pranay Dhabhai, Managing director, AKAI India, Right: Mr Sanjay Kumar, vice-President Sales - Mobiles, AKAI India

Mr Pranay Dhabhai, Managing director, AKAI India

Mr Pranay Dhabhai, Managing director, AKAI India
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