Haier aims to sell 500,000 mobiles in a year

In a market dominated by global players, home appliances brand Haier on Friday said it is confident of carving a space for itself in the Indian mobile telephone segment and be among the top players in a couple of years.

Haier, which ventured into the segment, unveiling of its range of seven mobile phones in India this month, aims to sell five lakh mobile sets in the next 12 months.

At the launch in Bangalore on Friday, Haier India's President and CEO, T K Banerjee said the company is confident of creating space for itself and be among the top 4-5 players in India.

Haier is the top domestic brand in China, he added. Haier is positioning its mobile phones, which has a price range of Rs 3,654 to Rs 14,940, as "value for money" buy.

Pranay Dhabhai, director of Haier India, said in a couple of years, the company aims to become a significant player in the segment.

Mohit Kapoor, Haier India's general manager (telecom division) said the company has a vast range of mobile phones in excess of 60 and that would be a "critical factor for success" in India.

Haier, which is currently present in the home appliances, consumer electronics and telecom space, would soon launch information technology products, Kapoor said.

Haier Group posted a turnover of $12.1 billion in 2004.