Nokia, Tata and LG are most trusted brands in India

NEW DELHI: Nokia, Tata and LG are amongst most trusted brands in India, said a survey Tuesday.

The revelation was made by 'Brand Trust Report 2012' which lists India's 1,000 most trusted brands.

Nokia, Tata and LG were followed by Samsung, Sony, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj, LIC and Airtel on the list of the most trusted brands.

"The research is conducted with 2,718 'influencer' respondents from 15 cities, generating more than two million data-points from 12,000 hours of research," Trust Research Advisory firm which conducted the survey said in a statement.

The survey also came out with 22 most trusted personalities, whose list anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare topped, followed by Sachin Tendulkar, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan.

Most trusted leaders in specific categories include Armani in branded fashion, DLF in construction, NIIT in education, ONGC in energy, PVR in entertainment, Pepsi in food and beverages (F&B) and Dabur in healthcare.

Other trusted brands included Taj Hotels in hospitality, Google in internet, ACC in manufacturing, Thomas Cook in services, Being Human in social sector, Hewlett Packard in technology, and Air India in airlines.

LG eyes 33% marketshare of the country’s home appliances market

NEW DELHI: Korean consumer durable maker LG is eyeing 33% marketshare of the country's home appliances market this year. The company plans to invest close to Rs 350 crore in production and marketing of its home appliances range to attain the targeted marketshare.

"India is a very strategic market for LG Electronics and our objective is to introduce flagship products into the market which reiterate the company's efforts to constantly create and introduce new technological innovations," Soon Kwon, MD, LG India said.
The company's home appliances range is expected to grow at 35% this year.

It launched a new range of microwave oven and washing machine on Thursday. The new fully automatic washing machines range is priced between Rs 24,290- 70,990, while the microwave ovens are available between Rs 18,490-21,290.

"At LG, we maintain a relentless focus on finding out what customers want and then reflecting those desires and needs into products that enrich their lives," Kwon said.

LG to invest Rs 1,500 cr on marketing, manufacturing this year

NEW DELHI: Korean consumer durables maker LG Electronics today said it will invest Rs 1,500 crore in India this year to ramp up production and market the brand.

"We will invest Rs 800 crore to increase our manufacturing capacity this year and another Rs 700 crore on brand building and marketing activities," LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd (LGEIL) COO Y V Verma told PTI.

The investment will be aimed at achieving the turnover target of Rs 20,000 crore set by LGEIL for 2011.

"We did around Rs 16,000 crore last year and this year we are targeting a 25 per cent increase in the total turnover at Rs 20,000 crore," Verma said.

He said the company would focus on product categories such as flat panel TVs, air conditioners and mobile phones to drive growth in India.

Commenting on manufacturing capacity expansion, Verma said the company is setting up a new production line at its existing facility in Pune for refrigerators.

"We are also increasing capacity for other products such as LCD TVs," he added without giving details.

On marketing front, LGEIL has been investing funds to position the brand LG as a premium brand.

"The Rs 700 crore marketing budget would be focused on positioning the brand in the premium segment," Verma added.

With an intention to expand reach of its products in rural markets, the company has identified 16 states in the country to conduct consumer research.

"We have identified 16 states, including Andhra Pradesh, UP and Punjab, to understand consumer demand in rural markets and enhance our distribution network," Verma said.