May 7, 2009

Godrej TV's Nation Wide Launch Delayed

Godrej Eon LCD TvsIts not only the recession that is slowing down the TV sales in Andhra Pradesh and forcing Godrej to defer to their all India launch, but specifically the negative outcome of an election gimmick by N Chandrababu Naidu of the Telegu Desam Party.

The former Andhra Pradesh chief minister has promised free colour televisions, in a bid to lure voters this elections. This has actually created a slump in the market with people waiting for their free television sets.

Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company, had started tesitng the markets response to its LCD TVs in the state in October 2008, and put together with the economic slowdown this has put things off track.

According to Kamal Nandi, vice president, sales and marketing, Godrej Appliances, "The second phase scheduled for early 2009 has slipped off the track due to de-growth in AP. It is also because of the slowdown, the company deferred its pan-Indian launch till the second quarter of this fiscal."

Godrej has invested 150 crores in its Uttarkhand manufacturing facility with its alliance with a European company. Lets hope the company gains ground quick enough to launch the Eon range of LCDs throughout the country!