The Hindu Business Line : Carrier launches energy-efficient ACs

NEW RANGE: Mr Zubin Irani, Managing Director, Carrier Airconditioning & Refrigeration Ltd, at the launch of the new range of airconditioners `Durakool and Estrella', in the Capital on Wednesday. - Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi March 14 Carrier has launched a new range of air conditioners, Durakool and Estrella, approved by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

The statutory body under the Ministry of Power is planning to make energy efficiency ratings compulsory for ACs from June onwards, the company claims.

"Carrier India is proud to be the industry leader in energy efficiency, launching with BEE labels ahead of the official commencement date," said Mr Zubin Irani, Managing Director, Carrier India. The air conditioners are priced Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 and the company says they significantly lower operating costs.

Carrier expects to announce 25-30 per cent sales growth for the financial year 2005-06 in June. "For every 10 residential, lightweight aircons in India, one is a Carrier. And in the larger commercial air-conditioning category of coolers and freezers, we occupy about 20 per cent of the market share," said Mr Krishnan Sachdev, Director Marketing, Carrier India.

The company started operations in India 10 years ago, and has a network of more than 400 dealers today. It also manufactures and distributes cold chain facilities, which include cold rooms, truck refrigeration and bus air-conditioning among other things.