Enters Modular Switch Category in India, Designed Locally
New Delhi - Philips today illustrated its strategic focus on emerging markets with the introduction of Philips modular switches in India, another example of its “designed in and for” products that capture local market opportunities. The modular switches product line was designed and developed by the Philips Strategic Business Development and Design groups. The line was developed in India for local market needs and further expands the company’s broad range of consumer solutions. Today’s launch of Philips modular switches marks Philips’ first entry into the category globally.
During his visit to India, Mr Gottfried Dutiné, Executive Vice-President and Member of the Board of Management of Philips pointed out that 29 percent of the company’s sales in the first half of 2009 came from emerging markets. Philips spent €1.6 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2008.
“By marrying our R&D spend with a targeted and local approach to consumer needs, we continue to seize new business opportunities in emerging markets,” said Gottfried Dutiné, Executive Vice-President, Philips. “Philips is always looking for what’s next in improving the health and well-being of its consumers, with advanced yet easy to use products, for example, the rice cooker range for the Asian market and the Mate’ kettle in countries such as Brazil and Argentina. In India, it was the water purifier, now modular switches and in the near future the cooking area.”
Philips created the Strategic Business Development Group (SBD) in key emerging markets including India, with responsibility for finding new market opportunities and working closely with the local sectors and Philips Design to create consumer centric products.
“India’s modular switches market is expected to grow by 20 percent over the next year,” remarked Murali Sivaraman, CEO, Philips India. “We are ideally poised to tap this growth because of our lighting leadership. In fact, the introduction of Philips modular switches completes our broad range of consumer lighting solutions.”
The Philips modular switches contain a combination of safety features and are RoHS (Restrictions on hazardous substances) compliant making it environment friendly. In addition to safety features, Philips modular switches bring some of the most unique and innovative concepts to the category. An FM Radio in a socket module is now offered for the first time in India. Consumers can tune into their favorite FM station with the touch of a scan button. Another innovation is the unique USB charger capability of the switch. Smartphones, iphones, portable music devices can now all be charged via the Philips modular switch. Customers no longer have to use cumbersome methods of charging USB port chargeable devices.
Philips modular switches have an elegant, minimalist design so they look great on a wall. They use a unique honeycomb structure in the grids which enables sleekness without compromising stability. Also, their mirror finish enables easy maintenance in order to prevent dust accumulation. The modular switches will be rolled out pan India in a phased manner. All designs are undergoing the patent process.
The Philips modular switch range is competitively priced from Rs 90 to Rs 150 each. Accessories such as USB charger, FM Radio, sockets are priced from Rs 100 to Rs 750/- each. |