Date:08/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/10/08/stories/2005100802260800.htm

Back `LG aims to be leader in living appliance market'

Our Bureau

Pune , Oct. 7

MR Dae Hyun Song, Vice-President and Head of Living Appliances Division, LG, said the company aims to be the market leader in all living appliances category by 2010.

And it has already started the process with the national launch of two products in the microwave segment - the SolarDOM and WaveDOM models.

Mr Song said the company would test market about 100 units during the current fiscal in the metros and was looking at sales of 25,000 units during the next fiscal. He said the microwaves would be initially imported from Korea and later on be manufactured at the Ranjangaon plant in Pune. He said a complete line for the manufacture of microwaves has been set up.

Mr Song said the LG SolarDOM uses light wave technology which enabled three times faster cooking, high nutrient retention, better energy efficiency (50 per cent savings) and high convenience levels. The round cavity design made it easy to clean and also saved space. It also offers an auto menu option for ease of cooking. Accessories such as the multi-rotisserie have been provided to cater to barbeque needs.

He said consumers can also get an installation kit if they have built-in type of kitchens, to match the kitchen decor. This will be priced at Rs 34,990.

Mr Song said the WaveDOM range has a round cavity from inside - not square, as is usually the case. This model also enables three times faster cooking, 12 per cent bigger turntable size, 60 per cent more usable volume than a square cavity. The basic solo model costs Rs 6,990, while the grill microwave oven costs Rs 8,490.

To launch vacuum cleaner: Mr Song said the company will launch a vaccum cleaner that will not have the conventional dust bags for collecting dust.

He said it might also be rolled out of the Ranjangaon factory in Pune.