The country’s two major air-conditioner manufacturers, LG and Samsung, are optimistic of robust demand for ACs this year, notwithstanding slump in sales in 2011.

“This year we are optimistic, but of course cautious. We are looking for a growth of around 25 per cent and targeting a revenue of Rs 2,200-2,500 crore from the AC business,” LG India Business Sales Head, Mr Saurabh Baisakhia, told PTI.

Out of its total business, the company is hoping that 25-30 per cent will be contributed by the window AC segment, while the rest will come from split ACs.

Mr Baisakhia said the AC market is estimated to be around 3.5 million units in 2012, registering a growth of around 10 per cent.

“We are also expecting a boost in our market share. From 27-28 per cent last year, the market share should increase to 28-29 per cent this year,” he said.

Expressing similar sentiments, Samsung India Vice-President (Home Appliances), Mr Mahesh Krishnan, said the company is expecting robust double-digit growth in AC sales in 2012.

“We are expecting to sell 5,00,000 split air-conditioners in this year. This would imply a growth of 43 per cent over our AC sales last year,” Mr Krishnan added.

The company had sold around 3,50,000 units of ACs last year.

He said new marketing campaigns, energy efficient range of ACs and differentiated service offers will help in expanding the company’s reach in Indian AC market.

“With the launch of the new 2012 AC range, Samsung expects the contribution of its 5-Star rated models to its total AC sales to grow to 25 in 2012,” Mr Krishnan said without sharing details.

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