AKAI forays into Indian handset market with 10 dual SIM phones

Japanese consumer electronics brand Akai is the latest company to test waters in the burgeoning Indian handset market. It has started with the launch of 10 dual SIM handsets with prices starting at Rs 1,895 going up to Rs 7995.
Apart from dual SIM the handset portfolio includes features like full touch 3-D user interface, wi-fi, long lasting battery, large high Resolution QVGA screen, expandable memory, wireless FM with recording, high definition video recording, compatible with social networking sites and e-book compatibility.
Company has already roped in 8000 retailers and plans to increase it’s retail base to 20,000 by the end of this month. Company plans to sell one lakh handsets in October and more than a million by the end of year.
Pranay Dhabhai, MD, AKAI India said, “We will focus on after sales services to win customer hearts. For this it has already setup 218 service centers which will look after its mobile handset business only.”
Company also plans to launch a helpline number to help customers understand the features of the phone and also address customer complaints.
Pranay said, “The mobile handset market in India is growing rapidly and there is a great demand for quality handsets. With AKAI mobiles now being available in with our Global expertise and understanding of Indian consumer needs, we will be giving tough time not only to Indian brand dominating dual SIM segment, but also the other multinational brands dominating the Indian mobile Industry.
On being asked about the key differentiators he said, ” After sales service and quality of the product will be our USP”.
Company expects a turnover of Rs 435 crore by July 2011 with mobile sales contributing 40per cent of the total amount. The company will also market it’s phones in other SAARC countries including Srilanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.
AKAI products are marketed in India by Global brands solutions.