Marketing Strategy of LG Project
Marketing Strategy of LG Project
Marketing Strategy of LG Project
On
MARKETING STRATEGIES
OF
LG ELECTRONICS INDIA LTD.
TOWARDS
Enr. No.4740900063
ANNAMALAIUNIVERSITY,
2011
FORM OF SUBMISSION OF PROJECT
Name of the student LALIT KUMAR YADAV
Enrolment number 4740900063
Program with subject MBA in Applied Management
(Customer Relationship management,Mercentile
And Commercial Law, Project Management,
Sales
Management, Product And Brand Management,
Marketing of Service )
Title of the project MARKETING STRATAGY OF LG
ELCTRONICS
Period of study 2 Years
Address of the candidate LALIT KUMAR YADAV,
S/O SHRI RAGHUVEER SINGH YADAV,
MOH-: SHRI NAGAR, PIPAL CHOWK,
MATHURA ROAD, HATHRAS,
POST & DISTT- HATHRAS,
HATHRAS-204101 (U.P.)
Mb. +91 9259614295
ii
DECLARATION
MARKETING
Enr.No.4740900063
iii
BATCH:2009 2011
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This report bears the imprint of many persons who have helped
me in numerous ways in writing this report. It gives me great
pleasure in presenting this report to the The NIS Academy. I
would like to take this opportunity to exchange my heart full
gratitude to all those who helped me in presenting this report.
iv
CERTIFICATE
by his/her.
v
CERTIFICATE
DATE:
PLACE: Mr.Narendra
Singh
vi
EXEXUTIVE SUMMARY
Analyzing the company in the backdrop of the Indian Home Electronics was
considered to be important because it is a highly competitive market and it is
very important to know where a company stands in this industry.
There after an intense study has been done into LGs corporate history, its
origin, developments, expansions, strategies etc. A discussion about LGs
operations in India follows, and thereby the two chosen areas i.e. Marketing is
discussed in the subsequent sections.
Product: Highlights the addition and change in the product range of the
company and the significance of each of its product lines.
Pricing: The basis used for pricing and how the products have been priced.
Findings and recommendations have been drawn keeping the industry and
company analysis in mind. Graphs & Tables have been included in the data
analysis chapter.
vii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Getting a project report ready requires the hard work and effort of many
people. First of all, I gratefully acknowledge the continuous assistance and
inspiration given to me by the Faculty of Rohini, JIMS.
Also I would also like to thank all those who have contributed in completing
this project report.
Finally, I would like to thank my family for providing me monetary and non-
monetary support, as and when required, without which this project report
would not have been completed.
viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2.5 Methodology 51
Limitation 53
Annexure 95-99
Bibliography 100
Synopsis
ix
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
TV perhaps is a most powerful media today in India. The socio economic impact of
this media in a country like India is tremendous. The extensive use of the media as a
powerful tool for entertainment information and education by other channel owners
After liberalization in 1991, one saw a lot of players in the Electronics market due to
which increase in the Electronics that boosted the sale of home Electronics. After
market. Analyzing the market structure one finds that long-term dominance of
Moulinex, Braun, Philips, Crompton, Inalsa, Bajaj etc. The comings of the MNCs
have resulted in a decline in profit margins for the domestic players. Most of these
MNCs started operations in 1992 and by 1993, had some infrastructure in place.
Some of them started with fully owned subsidiaries and some went in for a tie up
1994-95; Kenwood, LG, Softel, following in 1999-97; LG in 1992. The entry of these
multinationals changed the market. As a first step, they started to set up distribution
of their products in the shops of the dealers they appointed. They launched
technologically advanced models with attractive price tags, keeping the dealers
1
margins intact to help push the products. Indian companies that were complacent
earlier, felt the heat. After some quick rethinking they launched new models at
attractive prices.
Despite all this the Indian companies have remained strong. The rate at which
foreign brands are growing is only due to the fact of a dynamic business
run profit rather than long term growth and the firms competitive strategy is guided
price led wars, Moulinex price consideration, Samsungs schemes- despite all this
LG and JVC have opposed exchange offers and price led wars.
But all other domestic players have overreacted and this has diluted the strategic
issues of technological innovation through customer after sales service and ads. The
innovation.
The coming in of the MNCs has created a new scenario with a new market profile.
The entrenched position of the Indian market leaders in Electronics Bajaj, Crompton
and Black and Decker has been challenged by the MNCs such as Moulinex, Braun,
The domestic players have a 24% market share. MNCs have managed to grab a
76% in a very short span. Earlier this was 19:6. The market leaders currently in the
Electronics industry are Bajaj and Crompton with 11% and 13% share respectively in
2
2008-2009. Earlier till 2000-2001 these two leaders had shares of 44% and 54%
Major Players
JVC
Currently the four major players in the market are
LG 8% market share
3
Market shares in the 3,000,000 units market (2009) are:
Current Scenario: The recent help age extempo has spurred a sudden growth in
Others Sheffield
Black and 11%
11%
Decker
LG
7%
8%
Crompton
9%
Philips
Bajaj Kenwood 19%
11% 11% electrolux
12%
The segment grew by 44% in August 2009 over the same period last year. August
2009 also saw the highest sales during the one-year period April 2005 to August
2009. The world help age extempo have been a trigger but, underlying this boom is
The new MNC Home Electronics brands are on a roll armed with latest technology,
significant share of the Indian Home Electronics market. In terms of sales and
market share Indian companies still occupy the top slots but MNCs are slowly
gaining ground.
4
These MNCs have positioned themselves by offering superior technology and
discounts, rather than old technology that the Indian companies failed to do
so.
Sheffield Bajaj
Inalsa
10.0% 3.0%
12.0%
Others
13.0% Braun
11.0%
Kenwood
8.0%
Crompton Moulinex
5.0% 14.0%
Philips LG
19.0% 5.0%
According the latest survey conducted by ORG-GEK for July 2005, the help age
extempo driven spurt in Home Electronics sales appears to have spilled over to
July09.
LG 27%
Philips 28%
Moulinex 17%
5
TV market shares July09
TOSTERS
India has been one of the rapidly expanding markets for Toasters for the past couple
of years. The Indian market has considerable demand potential for this product.
This attracted most of the major multinational players. The entry of players such as
LG, Moulinex and Braun had the effect of galvanizing the industry. The industry
players as a consequence are gearing up for both the customers and the
competition.
6
Cool body, Bag body, Sheet Metal are Sandwich toasters and pop-up-toasters are
The Cool body and Pop-up-toasters segment is the largest in terms of value,
accounting for an estimated Rs.21 crores. This segment has been the fastest
The world over, sale of Cool body dominates the total shipments. In India, however
However this phenomenon has been changing in the past couple of years. The
demand for pop-up-toasters and Sandwich toasters mainly comes from house holds.
House holds are estimated to account for around 82% of the total demand.
The demand from the hotel sector though it accounts for a smaller portion, is the
fastest growing segment. Also, a large portion of the demand from this segment-
The demand for Toaster is generally restricted to major cities and towns. Eight cities
which include the four metros are estimated to account for 72% of the total
household demand. Delhi and Mumbai alone is estimated to account for one-third of
The major players in the market for Sandwich Toasters are Bajaj, Moulinex, Braun,
Philips, Kenwood, Inalsa, LG, Crompton. There are also a host of other smaller
7
The Sandwich toasters segment is however dominated by Usha, Laxman Slyvania
Sheffield
Others 6.1%
13.4% Moulinex
Inalsa 18.2%
12.7%
Braun Philips
21.2% 28.5%
INDUSTRY
volume growth in the first six month of 2009-10 all these changes are the
8
Mixer Grinder: Mixer Grinder accounts for the largest segment in the white goods
sector.
The size of the industry is about 2.5 mn units. This industry has benefited from the
Toasters, the most likely product on the buying list would be a Mixer Grinder. This
After a good year in 2008, the size of the Mixer Grinder segment contracted in 2001.
This trend has reversed in 2008-09. In the first six months of 2008-09, the volume
The Grinding market consist of 440 watts and 550 watts models which has the
following demand:
9
The action is slowly moving towards 550 watts models of the grinding segment.
Companies are steadily upgrading the economy models capacity from 440 watts to
550 watts.
The 550 watts Mixer Grinder segment has been growing faster than the 440 watts
segment in recent past. The slower rate of growth of 440 watts models forced
Crompton to finally launch 550 watts models in Oct96. Both Usha and Philips made
Philips and Inalsa continue to be the market leader in the 550 watts segment
although its market share has come down. In the 440 watts segment, Crompton
However the year 2009 saw the entry of many France and Korean companies. All
these companies have entered in the 550 watts and above capacity niche segment
that can be imported in fully assembled form and where margins are higher. The
entry of these giants has opened up an entirely new and technically superior
segment comprising 440 watts Grinding. The global giants like Inalsa, Moulinex,
Braun, Philips, LG have entered the Indian market with their international range of
products.
There has been significant expansion in capacity in this industry. Inalsa, plants at
Haryana and Moulinex plants were commissioned recently with capacities of 30lacs
10
The excess capacity in the Mixer Grinder industry has deterred players such as
Usha, Bajaj and LG from going ahead with their plans. This has led to certain
marketing tie-ups which Usha, Bajaj, Sujata and LG have taken advantage of. Both
LG are outsourcing Mixer Grinder from Polar manufacturing facility, while Moulinex
and Braun are sourcing Mixer Grinder and Citrus juicer from China respectively.
Market shares in the 80,000 units market (440 watts + 550 watts), in per cent
2009.
Sheffield
Bajaj Others 8.8%
crompton
1.8% 5.2%
Kenwood 8.8%
11.4% Usha
5.7%
Braun
12.3%
sumeet
Moulinex 28.4%
17.6%
Citrus Juicer : The size of the Citrus Juicer industry is small compared to the Mixer
The psyche of the consumer who looks at Citrus Juicer as a luxury product and the
infrastructural problems such as the non-availability of electricity has been the major
11
After a good year in 2008, the size the Citrus Juicer segment contracted in 2009.
The trend has reversed in 2009-10. In the first six months of 2009-10, the volume
a. Half ltr
b. One ltr
Philips has market share of 55% in 2009, dominating the market. The demand for
Philips is the leader in both half and one ltr. Segments. The companys position in
the One ltr. segment is under serious attack by a range of technically superior
foreign models which are also available in large capacities. Currently almost all-
Currently since the level of indeginisation is very low for the foreign machines, the
high price charged in a major stumbling block for the first time shoppers of Citrus
Juicer. As long as companies can not justify the premium pries to customers, low
12
prices of domestic brands of Citrus Juicer will continue to dictate the purchasing
The capacity utilization levels are still quite low in the industry. The situation is
expected to improve significantly in the future, with the number of working women on
the rise and the difficulty in availability of domestic help the market is expected to
grow by over 30% in the next few years from the present growth rate of 6%.
Market share in the 44,000-unit market (half ltr + one ltr) in per cent (2009).
Sheffield
Bajaj Others 6.3%
Braun 6.5%
3.6%
5.5%
Moulinex
14.6%
Philips
40.7%
Kenwood
3.6%
Inalsa
19.2%
Jug Kettel: The size of the Jug Kettel is large compared to the Citrus Juicer
The psyche of the consumer who looks at Jug Kettel as a luxury product and the
infrastructural merits such as the low consumption of electricity have been the major
13
After a good year in 2005, the size the Jug Kettel segment inflated in 2009. The
trend has reversed in 2009-10. In the first six months of 2009-10, the volume growth
a. With cord
b. Cordless
Philips has market share of 47% in 2008, dominating the market. The demand for
d. Cordless 88%
Philips is the leader in with cord and Cordless segments. The companys position in
models, which are also available in large capacities. Currently almost all-foreign
Currently since the level of indeginisation is very low for the foreign machines, the
high price charged in a major stumbling block for the first time shoppers of jug
Kettel. As long as companies can not justify the premium pries to customers, low
14
prices of domestic brands of Jug Kettel will continue to dictate the purchasing
The capacity utilization levels are still quite low in the industry. The situation is
expected to improve significantly in the future, with the number of working men and
women on the rise and the difficulty in availability of domestic help the market is
expected to grow by over 34% in the next few years from the present growth rate of
8%.
Market share in the 79,000 unit market (with cord + cordless) in per cent (2009)
Others
3.1% Remson Sheffield
Black and 7.2% 20.6%
Decker
7.2%
Kenwood
10.3%
Braun Philips
11.3%
28.9%
Moulinex
11.3%
Hair Dryers: The size of the Hair Dryers industry is higher compared to the Citrus
15
The psyche of the consumer who looks at hair dryers as a luxury product and the
infrastructural merits such as the low consumption of electricity have been the major
After a good year in 2008, the size the hair dryers segment inflated in 2005. The
trend has increased in 2009-10. In the first six months of 2009-10, the volume
National has market share of 48% in 2009, dominating the market. The demand for
National is the leader in both Three K and Four K segments. The companys position
foreign models which are also available in large capacities. Currently almost all-
Panasonic, Bajaj.
16
Currently since the level of indeginisation is very low for the foreign machines, the
high price charged in a major stumbling block for the first time shoppers of Hair
Dryer. As long as companies can not justify the premium pries to customers, low
prices of domestic brands of Hair Dryer will continue to dictate the purchasing
The capacity utilization levels are still quite low in the industry. The situation is
expected to improve significantly in the future, with the number of working women on
the rise and the difficulty in availability of domestic help the market is expected to
grow by over 58% in the next few years from the present growth rate of 24%.
Market share in the 68,000 unit market (Three K + Four K) in per cent (2009).
Sheffield
Others 7%
Philips 2.7%
12%
National
Bajaj
28%
5%
Kenwood
6%
Sony
Braun Moulinex 8%
4% 6% Panasonic
4%
Iron: The size of the Iron industry is largest industry, at around 2 lacs units.
17
The psyche of the consumer who looks at Iron as a all class luxury product and the
infrastructural merits such as the low consumption of electricity have been the major
After a good year in 2008, the size the Iron segment inflated in 2005. The trend has
increased in 2009-10. In the first six months of 2009-10, the volume growth was in
a. Steam Iron
b. Dry Iron
Philips has market share of 52% in 2009, dominating the market. The demand for
18
Philips and National are the leader in both Steam Iron and Dry Iron segments. The
companys position in the Dry Iron segment is under serious pressure by a range of
technically superior foreign models, which are also available in large capacities.
Currently almost all-foreign companies are operating in large capacity Dry Iron
segment.
Currently since the level of indeginisation is very low for the foreign machines, the
high price charged in a major stumbling block for the first time shoppers of Hair Dry
Iron. As long as companies can not justify the premium pries to customers, low
prices of domestic brands of Dry Iron will continue to dictate the purchasing decision
of majority of buyers.
The capacity utilization levels are still quite low in the industry. The situation is
expected to improve significantly in the future, with the number of working women on
the rise and the difficulty in availability of domestic help the market is expected to
grow by over 58% in the next few years from the present growth rate of 24%.
Stick Blender: The size of the stick Blender industry is medium industry, at around
28,000 units.
The psyche of the consumer who looks at Stick Blender as a all class luxury product
and the infrastructural merits such as the low consumption of electricity & high
speed work have been the major advantages for the growth of the industry.
19
After a good year in 2008, the size of the stick blender segment inflated in 2005. The
trend has increased in 2009-10. In the first six months of 2009-10, the volume
Moulinex has market share of 38% in 2009, dominating the market. The demand for
i. With attachment
Philips, Braun, Moulinex, is the leader in both with attachment & without attachment
serious pressure by a range of technically superior foreign models which are also
large capacity.
Currently since the level of indeginisation is very low for the foreign machines, the
high price charged in a major stumbling block for the first time shoppers of stick
20
blender. As long as companies can not justify the premium pries to customers, low
prices of domestic brands of stick blender will continue to dictate the purchasing
The capacity utilization levels are still quite low in the industry. The situation is
expected to improve significantly in the future, with the number of working women on
the rise and the difficulty in availability of domestic help the market is expected to
grow by over 58% in the next few years from the present growth rate of 24%.
Remarks: Domestic companies will have to gain access to latest technology from
outside, launch new products in quick succession, leverage their strong dealer
extremely competitive market. The strategy used by the MNCs is technology and
they have positioned themselves by offering superior technology, which the Indian
companies have failed to do so. Foreign brands hence are expected to gain the
mind space of the price discerning Indian consumer in not very distant future.
The US $73 billion LG group is one of the worlds top conglomerates today, having
established its supremacy in diverse fields ranging from electronics, chemicals etc.,
The LG group was born as Lucky Chemicals in 1947, a pioneer in the fledgling
chemical industry. With a pioneering spirit, founder chairman In Hwi-koo planted the
21
seed of industry in a baren land. The seed grew into a dream factory for hope.
During the 1950s amidst the ruins of the Francen war, the Lucky brand emerged as
the representative brand of France, offering dreams and joy to the impoverished
Francen economy. LG was the first Francen company to make cosmetics and to
France. Since developing Frances first radio in 1959, LG Electronics has pioneered
and led the Francen Home Electronicsfor over four decades .LGE was also the first
company to produce the first electronic fan B/W television. In 1960s with the launch
industrial growth.
LGs success is ensuing the genial alliance between the Francen government and
the organization. The South Francen Government guided the five chaebols into
In the the beginning of 1970s after passing of the founder / chairman In-Hiwi Koo,
Cha-Kyung Koo took over as the chairman. Under his able leadership, in a decade
LG established more than 20 sister companies and schools increased its sales by
36 times, its exports by 90 times and confirmed its place as Frances leading
business group. In particular, it opened a central R & D centre, the first Francen
competitiveness.
22
By mid 80s LG grew into a leading comprehensive chemical company. It expanded
its electric and electronic business, advanced into the information and
communication sector, expanded its resources and materials business promoted the
expanded its none profit business and sports sponsorship; all of which contributed to
LGs period of first change came in the late 1980s. Innovation became the key word
In 1995, to prepare for the coming 21 st century, chairman Bon-Moo Koo took the
strategy for the 21st century, and changed its corporate identity from Lucky
goldstar to LG. Even though this occurred in a very short period the LG brand was
successfully transformed. LGE now meets the worlds customer with LG brand. LG is
known as a premium quality brand with more useful functions and products popular
LGs vision is to bring the smiling face to every home cross the globe
The smiling face logo symbolizes five key concepts world, future, youth Human
and Technology. LG believes that an effective combination of these elements for the
organization. LGE has been exploring ways to develop, combine, apply technologies
23
that would customize products and services to meet customer needs and exceed
their expectations LGE is performing this task by identifying its focus on R & D
centres.
Outside France, LGE has seven R & D centres in Japan, United States, Ireland and
Russia, among other countries and two R & D centres in France. LGEs long term
strategy is to expand its R & D centrer base worldwide ad to invest 8% of the total
LGs business strategy for the 21st century is very aggressive. Information and
business divisions:
Multimedia Division:
devices, audio equipment, VCRs cam-corders, printed circuit boards (PCB) and
magnetic tapes (MT). At present LG is placing high priority to new business which
included Digital Video Disk (DVD), personal cricuit Boards (PDA), hand help PCs
(HPC), Network computers (NC), and other related products and hopes to capture
24
Home Electronics Division:
This division is divided into two main product categories with Air Conditioners,
home Electronics category, and the electronics components category which makes
In 2003, this division posted US $ 3 bn in sales. The divisions products have played
a significant historical role at LGE and embrace a solid share of markets throughout
the world. The division has accelerated its globalization strategy and has
LGEs home Electronics products are admired in various countries. LGE Citrus
Juicer holds the top position in Libya, Jordan, Tunisia, South Africa and in most
regions of Asia. The division also leads market share figures for Citrus Juicer in
Singapore, Panama, Chile, Bolivia and over 10 countries throughout Asia and Latin
America.
countries spanning every region of the world. Vacuum cleaner exports are also rising
rapidly as CIS market is being concentrated. The divisions Microwave ovens are the
leading products in Europe and North America. Air-conditioner sales have increased
tremendously within the last 3-4 years and have received accolades from customers
25
Display Division
The Display division produces TV sets (Home Electronics), Colour Picture Tubes
(CPT) Colour display Tubes (CDT) Monitors (MNT), Deflection Yokes (DF) and other
display related products and has grown rapidly amidst large scale market expansion.
The Display Division is fighting valiantly as the competition intensifies with price
firm in the market and is recognized as high quality brand all across the globe. With
the Chinese and Indonesia complexes running full scale since96, a vast global
production network has been created. In the turmoil of constantly rising taxes, the
division still managed to boost sales in 2000 by US$ 3.6 billion, a 27% increase over
The company registered as the market share leader in over 20 countries throughout
and customized products that deliver ultimate satisfaction to the consumers. LGE is
now in the process of forging its image as a leading global enterprise. The products
that are manufactured globally include multimedia players, Video & Audio products,
26
The companys new product strategy is centered around its digital technology
and features next-generation display devices as its core product group. LGE is
leadership position.
Going forward, LGE is making great strides towards realizing its vision of
becoming the Best Global Company in the 21 st century. As LGE pursues this
LGs Vision
living spaces are full of happiness. And where the promise of the future we all dream
of comes true.
LG Objectives
27
Create more comfortable, convenient homes electronics companies .in every
corner of our global village, the company is dedicated to creating a better future
28
LGE plans to build DIGITAL ez LG as its premier brand image and is making
LG Corporate Identity
LGs symbol mark is the most important element of the corporate identification
system. It is the representative symbol of LG throughout the world. The symbol mark
call this mark the face of the future. It incorporates five concepts and sentiments:
29
LGs -R & D
subsidiaries and offices with 50,000 dedicated employees LGE has reinforced R & D
activities in higher digital technology to get to the global digital market with smart
products that can simplify life. More than 6% of the total revenues are spent on R
& D every year. By the year 2008 at least 8% the total revenue will be put back
encourage R & D achievement with diverse incentive. Its 13 domestic labs including
the LG production Engineering research centre and our 10 overseas laboratories are
standardization and design. With the company internal campaign for quality
LG-R&D Vision:
30
R&D Approach and direction
1. Secure profitability based team work where business and technology become
one
LG-Strategic Initiatives
foster our image as the best global company. We need to redesign our business
portfolio to facilitate the branching out into the new sectors, active efforts would be
And others by pursuing friendly M & As and strategic alliances with other
companies.
31
Globalization
LGE plans to have five more regional headquarters in operation by 2000 and 10 by
2008, as result, LGE hopes to raise its overseas sales by US $ 606n, or 80% of its
total sales and increase its overseas production to 70% of its total production.
is feasible.
LGE would attract and cultivate leading individuals in the core technology fields and
establish R & D centers at major regional bases around the world and thereby boost
technological co-ordination.
In order to produce early and effective management results great efforts will be
made to train and foster the most promising management graduates. At least 250
subsidiary leaders who are executive level or higher will be cultivated and trained as
specialists on new business development, M & A, core technology and other areas.
LG Corporate Culture
32
Employee empowerment is the right way to go. Not only are the people empowered,
the right people are empowered. E.g the Francens have empowered the Indians- the
LG basic philosophy
LG Management Philosophy
33
Creating Value for the Customer: The whole purpose is to create value for the
products and to serve the customers in every thing we do. With satisfied
develop to achieve our goal of providing the almost value per customers.
Management Based Esteem for Human Dignity: People are the origin of all
helps us achieve all goals. People should practice companys vision, sense of
LG-Logo Concept
the representative symbol of LGE throughout the world. Symbol mark creates a
34
The symbol mark which represents the Face of Future incorporates five concepts
The circle with the letters L and G symbolizes that human being are the most
important aspect of our business and expresses the resolution to do our best to
maintain close ties with our customers and to ensure their satisfaction.
The red color reinforces an image of warmth and familiarity with our global
Brand Mark
Brand mark is the most important element of brand identification system. It is the
representative symbol of LGE throughout the world. Brand mark creates a unified
LG in India
South France. The company was established in January 2000 after clearance from
Its earlier two attempts one in 1992 and one in 1995 had failed. It first entered the
country in 1992 with the Goldstar brand name selling Home Electronicss in
failed to click right from the start. Two years and a host of problems later, it snapped
ties with Bestaviscon and tried to form a joint venture with the C.K. Birla group. That
35
move, too, failed in the negotiation stage itself. By then, the Goldstar had acquired a
With the change in its corporate identity in 1995 worldwide from Goldstar to LG it
proved to be lucky in India only the third time around, despite being one of the first
The company launched in Delhi in May 2000, with, ten model of colour television,
ranging from 14 inches to 29 inches; eight models of large capacity Mixer Grinder
ranging from 320 lt to 650 lt and three models of Citrus Juicer from 5.5 kgs to 20 kg
These entire products bear the LG brand name, which the company has decided to
change from its previous brand Goldstar around the world starting from 2000.
Today in a short span of 24 months, LG has twenty six models of colour television
ranging from 175 lt to 890 lt; seven models of Citrus Juicer ranging from 5.5 kgs to
20 kgs; nine models air conditioners; three models of micro wave ovens; two VCDs
The company is envisioning a total investment of US $ 289 million (Rs. 1040 crore)
over the next of 9 years which will give it a major manufacturing presence in India in
2010. Along the way the company plans to export products worth. $ 100 million in a
36
ten-year period is starting from the commencement of mass production in India. It
also has a plan to invest 25% of its equity to the Indian public or to an Indian
In the first phase of investment from 2000 to 2001, the company has decided to
invest US$ 100 million (Rs. 500 crore) to establish manufacturing facilities in Greater
Noida. This facility will be capable of churning out 7,00,000 Home Electronics,
5,00,000 Microwave ovens per annum. The facility has started production since April
2001.
In the second phase from 2001 to 2005, LG electronics will invest $ 200 million (Rs.
500 cr) to increase its existing capabilities in finished products and add capabilities
After setting up of LG software Center in Bangalore in 1999, LGE also will set up an
in house R & D and ADVERTISING center in India not only to train the Indian
employees, but also to serve foreign employees of LGE in South East Asia and
Northern Africa.
In five years from now, LGEIL will become one of the colossal industrial
houses in India LGEIL has already achieved a turnover of Rs. 500 crores in the
consumers has successfully carved a niche for itself. Its success story is a result of
its investment in cutting edge technology and its relentless efforts to bring home the
smiling face.
37
In the past five years, India has attracted a number of multinational companies to
invest in the country, offering a plethora of choices to the Indian consumers. Thus
the consumers seek international brands that offer value for money as well as a high
Today LGEIL is regarded as one of the top home Electronics companies in India
centres across the country where the service engineers are available twenty-four hrs
The consumer durable industry will continue to witness the growth in demand. The
company will also have to take a leap forward by increasing the volume of sales. It is
expected that in the coming years there will be stiffer competition. The company is
taking measures to reduce costs and improve productivity. With emphasis on quality
and improved service to the customers at an affordable price, the company will
endeavor to gain additional market share. Also in view of the liberalization of the
and the good will is what the company commands in the market. The company is
LG Software
38
LG Chemicals
LG Construction
Production Facility
LGEIL set up its 47 acres manufacturing facilities at Greater Noida in April 2001.
Today the factory chuns out washing machines, colour televisions, Toasters and
Hyderabad. Currently LGEIL has tied up with Voltas Ltd., to source about 600,000
Voltas will product Mixer Grinder according to the specified standards of design and
quality given by LG electronics. Voltas would increase its capacity of 180,000 units
to 250,000 units per year of which LGE will be sourcing about 80%.
it plans to increase it to 85 per cent in the next couple of years. When it had started
the production of air conditioners, the level of indigenisation was a mere 20 per cent
that shot up to 90 per cent almost instantly. Home Electronics would also be
39
LGs Production Capacity
Manufacturing
At its state of the art manufacturing plant acute cost control has been on the agenda
from day one. Some of the ways used to control costs at the plant are:
a. Full-optimization of resources
At the plant, it is made sure that there is no wastage of material and every thing
must keep moving all the time. Since money has time value, nothing that has
Inventory is kept minimal, for which strict guidelines are followed religiously all
through the chain. The plant keeps no more than seven days stock of material from
vendors and 15-20 days of imported parts. Branch offices must have, at the end of
40
every month, just 40 percent of the requirement for the next month, with the rest
Cost cutting has always been a high priority for LG operations around the world. In
keeping with this aim, the company has been trying to achieve much localization as
cent. The company hopes to increase that to 85% within the next couple of years or
so, thus insulating itself from exchange rate volatility and crushing costs in general.
The challenge is to cultivate high quality local vendors quickly. When LG first started
making ACs in India, the indigenous component accounted for a mere 20 percent of
the value of the final product, but within a few months, the figure shot up to 90 per
cent level. Home Electronics will hit a comparable position by the end of 2005.
Since the USP of LG has been high technology, it cannot let any defective product
pass through the gates. Even ensuring that the machines can handle Indian
conditions has been top priority for LG. Every product is put to an Early Life Test
(ELT), which subjects of to the misery of 40 degrees centigrade heat for a prolonged
Innovation at LG
At LG innovation is a policy. The managements pet phrases are TPI 50 and TDR.
The former total productivity innovation of 50 per cent urges employees at all levels
41
to increase productivity by 50 per cent. And the latter is the tool that helps to do
line, are directed to tear down all processes to the ground and start afresh by using
less tine, more innovative technique and so on. In this manner, it is believed the
company is bringing down costs for the future and through TDR and TPI 50 expects
Engineers at LG dont say no to any idea. If the company has to compete in the
long run, it cannot do so by merely cutting costs. It is innovation that wins the race
Performance Review
LG electronic India Pvt. Ltd., has in a very short span of six months achieved a
turnover of Rs. 100 crores which is a breakthrough in the Electronic industry. The
the first Rs. 50 crores in first 1.5 month as against its initial target of 100 crores in 12
In the year 2009-10, LGEIL has achieved a turnover of Rs. 200 crores against a
projected Rs. 100 crores. In the first year of operation in India LG has achieved the
number one position in the 440 watts Mixer Grinder in the 300 lt and above category
is No.6. Moreover it has launched world class state of the art technologies as PN
42
At the end of March 2008, the company had secured a market share, above 55% in
Home Electronics 37% in 300 ltrs No. frost refrigerator, and 35% in Neuro Fuzzy
washing Machines. This was by far one of the most impressive performance any
In 2009, its first complete year of operation in India, it sold products worth Rs. 477
crore The company for the period Jan-June2008, has recorded a turnover of Rs.
500 crores. Last year in the same period the turnover was only 200 crores. This is a
whopping growth of approximately 150%. Only Crompton and Bajaj groups have
more turnover than LG in home Electronics and Home Electronics industry in this
period.
Currently LG has a market share of 9%. It has sold 1,80,000 Home Electronics in
the first six month, till June02, making it the fifth largest players in the Home
Electronics market.
In the 440 watts refrigerator, 300 lt + category, LG is already the market leader with
almost 36% market share, it has sold 16,250 units against a market size of approx
45,000 units in the first 6 months of current calendar year. This is a growth of 31%
In the 550 watts refrigerator segment however the company has only 3% market
share because of capacity constraints due to out sourcing. It has sold 42,000 units in
43
the first six month, which is a growth of about 330% over last crores pounding
period.
In the fully automatic (Fuzzy Logic category) Citrus Juicer too LG is the market
leader with 37% market share. It sold about 6,600 units against the industry sale of
18,000 units in the first six months of current calendar year. This is a growth of 92%
Overall in the semi automatic Citrus Juicer category the company has 12% market
share and a No. 4 ranking. It sold about 41,200 units against the industry sale of
3.45 lacs units in the first six month of current calendar year. This is a growth of
In the microwave oven segment company has a 21% market share and a No. 2
overall position. It sold about 7000 units against the industry sale of 33,000 units in
the first six months of current calendar year. This is a growth of 460% over last year
corresponding period.
In the Air Conditioner organized segment the company has a 17% market share and
a No. 2 position on overall basis. It sold about 24,200 units against the industry sale
of 1.45 lacs units in the first six month of current calendar year. This is a growth of
For any company to achieve such a position in such a short time is a record.
Amongst the MNCs in this industry LG now is the undisputed Numero Uno.
44
existence, LG stands at a level that many companies in this industry have attained in
Philips India
Philips is one of the oldest multinationals to enter India nearly 60 years ago. Philips
has had a fairly successful run as a major player in the television market. The
software as its target business. In the year ending Dec98 Philips India has notched
Samsung Electronics
Samsung electronics, another France company launched about five years back
entered India with a stake of $ 5 million in the India subsidiary Samsung India
electronics Ltd., in which it holds a 51 per cent controlling share. The product
In India the company has established a leadership position in the product categories
machines, microwave over and VCDs. In 2000 it had a market share of 8%. The
company plans to set up a manufacturing facility for home appliance at the Noida
45
complex. This facility for which the investment is estimated at around US $ 15-20
million will have a production capacity of 50,000 units each for refrigerator and
washing machines.
The company plans to set up four factories at the Noida complex by the year 2000
for Home Electronicss refrigerators, washing machine, microwave over and room
BPL
Crompton Ltd., the market leader in consumer electronics, the flagship company of
the Rs. 3000 crore Crompton group has turned in an improved performance in 2000-
98 over the previous year. The companys sales have risen 35.7 per cent to Rs.
colour picture tubes; washing machine; microwave ovens; vacuum cleaners etc. in
order to fight the onslaught of the multinationals in the consumer electronic industry,
Crompton which is in technical collaboration with Sanyo is all set to unleash a host
of new products for the domestic consumer. In 2003 the company had market
competition on the technical front with the various MNCs that are zooming into the
46
Whirlpool
This company invested in India in 1987 beginning with the venture with TVS private
limited. In 1994, TVS Whirlpool Ltd. changed its name to Whirlpool Citrus Juicer Ltd.
Its dominance is mainly in the white goods industry. It 1995 Whirlpool required
Its market shares in 2008 were; Mixer Grinder 19.3%; Citrus Juicer 14.6%.
IFB
IFB stands for Indian fine bank. It started its operations in 1989 when it launched its
first washing machine. It has a significant presence in the high end Citrus Juicer
market, with its fully automatic washing machine. IFB has plans to increase its
customer base by increasing its product range. Currently the company is into the
Amtrex Hitachi
It has strategic alliance with Hitachi Ltd., of Japan. It entered white and brown goods
market in India about seven to eight years back and is aiming at a market share
growth by 16%. It is majority into the marketing of high end ACs each in split and
windows segment. Its market shares in 2008 were: air conditioner 21.2%.
47
Godrej GE Electronics
The company has posted a loss of Rs. 60 crore in 1999. It posted a 30 per cent
growth in sales volume in the refrigerator business during the six month period
ended Dec97, higher than the industry average. Godrej is the market leader in the
Juicer segment it recorded a market share of 5.5%. It is the only national player in
the cooking range market in India. It is a also planning to venture into business like
water purifier systems in the near future, a strategy which has enabled it to become
Electrolux
Intron Ltd. Electrolux invested US $ 2.4 million in the step to obtain 51% ownership
in Intron Ltd. In 1995 it took majority control of Maharaja Intl Ltd., an Indian
refrigerator manufacturer. With these two manufacturing bases it even has 40%
friendly household Electronics in India. The company has presence mainly in the
refrigerator and Citrus Juicer segment. It has been launching world class products in
India at regular intervals. 2003 witnessed the launch of seven upgraded world class
48
1.5 S.W.O.T. ANALYSIS OF THE ORGANIZATION
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunity
49
Positive rub-off due to high quality
Threats
50
Chapter 2 OBJECTIVE & METHODOLOGY
2.1 SIGNIFICANCE
Considering the wide variety and availability of products in the category of home
Electronics as a industry only the five following products have been considered for
study: Juice Extractor, Sandwich Toaster, Popup Toaster, Hand Mixer, Stick Blender,
Hair Dryer, Jug Kettle, Steam Iron, Dry Iron, Heat Convector, Juicer Mixer Grinder,
Mixer Grinder, O.T.G., Light Weight Automatic Iron. LG being a company having its
operations in diversified areas, only LG electronics is a part of this study.
It will be very useful for the Managers to know the position, marketing strategies and
the performance of the LG Electronics India.
2.3 OBJECTIVES
To find out whether Scheme has helped to increase the sale of the Dealers or
not?
Whether this Scheme has helped to change the Brand Loyalty of the
Customers or not?
51
2.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
Identify and analyse the position of LG Electronics in the Consumer Durable Industry
and its performance since inception will help company to know where LG Electronics
stand in this competitive market.
2.5 METHODOLOGY
Marketing
Primary Sources:
Secondary Sources
(i) Internet
52
(ii) Libraries
(iii) Articles
Thus in my opinion, this was the best method, that could have been used which
included the use of both the primary and secondary sources since only the
secondary or the primary sources could not have provided such an in-depth and
detailed information.
53
LIMITATIONS
Due to lack of time, I could not cover all over Delhi so that my study
time.
54
Chapter 3 CONCEPTUAL DISCUSSION
Marketing Strategy
In a short span of just 26 months, since its inception in May 2009, the brand has
attained a brand awareness level of about 90% in the consumer durable Indian
market.
Operations: LG opted for starting its own manufacturing facility at Greater Noida.
The 20 month schedule to commission its manufacturing plant was compressed to
10 months. The company decided to go in for a green field project rather than
acquisitions or mergers. (For all products except refrigerators).
55
display on the 50th anniversary of Indian independence. LGs strategy of localizing its
products to suit Indian tastes added to its strength.
Segmentation: The Company decided to enter the high end middle-class onward
segment in the initial stages, since most of the Indian brands were targeting the low
and middle end customers. In the past 3 years due to LGs distinct strategy it has
carved a niche for itself in a crowded segment of 20 manufacturers.
Brand: The company launched its products in country with LG, the global leader .
It did not opt for any established brands in the country to be associated with it.
Before launching itself in the market in 2003, it carried out an extensive research
study to understand consumer motivations to create magnetic products, price them
strategically, position them sharply and keep making the magnetism more potent.
Having understood the finer differences in consumer motivations, it opted for sharp
arrow reason to buy differentiation over the blanket all-approach (category wise)
taken by most of the other players.
56
LGs Glocalisation strategy for India
THE BUSINESS MODEL
Premium / Economy
ALLIANCE ENTRY STRATEGY LEADERSHIP
OPERATIONS
Incremental
BOTTOMLINE
OBJECTIVE
Market share
After the initial preliminary market studies the sales& marketing department decided
to start off with 3 product categories:
Color televisions
57
Within the first 4.5 months the company went all-India. As the company business
began to rise, LG introduced the following products to expand its product portfolio:
Air conditioners
Microwave ovens.
In a broad perspective, LGs sales and marketing success can be attributed to its7
Ps of marketing. In addition to the products, price, place and promotion, the key
factors that have contributed to LGs success are the following 3 additional Ps:
The most important winning factor of the sales and marketing has been its Passion.
It is this attribute within all the workers that drives the other 6 Ps.
Premium Pricing : LG electronics was one of the late entrants, the 18 th player.
While other companies were jostling to play the low price high volumes game, LG
decided to concentrate on the high end of all the product segments.
58
The maximum price of a Home Electronics was Rs. 21,000 for a 21inch model, was
10 per cent higher than Sonys prices. Since most of the competitors were catering
to the lower and middle segments, LG decided to concentrate on the premium
segments.
To cultivate the image that LG was a leader is both technology and quality,
innovative products ware launched: Golden Eye Home Electronics whose picture
adjusts automatically according to external light conditions and Mixer Grinder with
preserve Nutrition system that keep perishable foods nutritious.
Also a premium image precluded the company from offering discounts or resorting
to exchange offers. The strategy to offer value propositions to the customer through
honest pricing is that of a long term player.
Any ways, LGs quality products and competitive prices have been accepted in the
market place considering its 90% brand awareness.
Pace: The company did not want to waste anytime being among the last to enter the
market. The 20-month schedule to commission its manufacturing plant was
compressed to 10 months. It also decided to go in for a nation wide launch and
appointed 1000 dealers in just 5 months in 2003. Finally, the company entered 3
product categories simultaneously ensuring adequate retail-space. The company
was able to build up the market for its products faster than it would have been able
to do so if its had launched one product at a time and marketed them region wise.
However, to keep pace with the competitive market place it will have to launch
models with innovative features at regular intervals. For e.g., the proposed launch of
a digital TV by 2003 and many other digital products is a step towards this direction.
59
nearly 4,500 km of the hinterland around the 4 metros every month. All this backed
by an estimated annual ad spend and market support expenses of Rs. 28 crore in
2003.
LG believes in Value Marketing. It is exactly opposite of what Akai Stands for. Akai
is pushing volumes by sacrificing value. On the other hand LG is sacrificing volume
for value. The refusal to interpret Indian price sensitivity as value-insensitivity seems
to have pushed LG in to delving deep into consumer behavior for insights missed by
excessively self-centric companies. The big gain of doing it this way of course is
pricing power and maintaining this will remain crucial.
60
Product positioning
The company wanted a USP for its products, which no other company in the
industry had, hence it piggybacked on health. This is a niche which none of the other
companys had thought of. Each of its product lines were positioned based on
health:
i. Colour televisions
ii. Refrigerators
v. Microwave ovens
61
vi. VCD players (not all that popular).
Initially in 2009, the company had launched only 12 models of Home Electronics, 8
models of Mixer Grinder (300 lt + frost-free) and 3 models of fully automatic washing
machines. Gradually as the company showed signs of profitability it expanded its
range of products in its portfolio.
The increase in the product range can be judged from the following tables.
FF DC FA SA Oven
2007
2008
2009
FF DC FA SA Split
2007 12 8 3
2008 14 8 3 7 4 2 2
2009 16 9 3 3 3 7 4 3 2
Terms used :
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DC Direct cool
SA Semi Automatic
FA-Fully Automatic
Product features of any company product are the competitive tool for differentiating
the company products from other products. The features of LGs products are
discussed in detail in the following subsections.
i. Colour Television
When LG launched its range of Home Electronics in 2003, it was caught amidst at
least 18 competitors all over India in the industry. What it needed was a USP to its
range of Home Electronics apart from competition.
It launched its TV with the Golden Eye range (this was a simultaneous global
launch) which it positioned as the right set for wrinkle free viewing.
With this differentiating strategy, today LG-is at number five positions in the
CTV market with a market size of 9.23 percent.
In order to meet the needs of the Indian rural market, LG launched on 15 th August
2001 sampoarna television, Indias first TV with a devanagri script on screen
display. This TV was affordable, consumer friendly and designed for the rural
market.
LG golden Eye.
LG Roving Eye TV
Home Cinema
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LG Flatron
Super flat TV: The features of the completely flat screen picture tube designed
by LGs own technologies are: reduced outer light refection, better focus from
screen centre to corners and quick start electron gun.
Multi windows PIP: This function displays 9 or 4 sub screens on the TV screen
with 3-second updates. Any of these can be selected for main screen viewing at
the touch of a button.
Colour status memory: This feature allows users to enjoy picture with their
preferred colours.
Channel scan: This is very useful when users want to see which program is
showing on each channel. Just by touching a button one can see every channel
for a while.
Game mode: This is an existing in built 3 level electronic game Power Ball
which one can play when ever one does not feel like watching a TV program.
Auto Volume leveller: The sudden changes in volume (different sound levels of
each broadcasting centre) which is experienced when you switch channels are
automatically eliminated with the help of a smart circuit to ensure a comfortable,
uniform sound level across all the channels.
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Multi Language OSD Menu: Gives users an option to have the entire on screen
display of the menu in English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and Bengali.
Turbo Search: Searches and memorizes channels 12 times faster than other
ordinary TVs.
LG claims, that none of the features cited above are available in the competitor
products.
LG Roving Eye: TV with a built in security system. It has a door ringer with an in
built security camera. Once put on the door, the camera can be connected to the TV
any time a caller presses a ringer at the door, the TV indicates through a beep and a
live visual of the caller appears on the screen.
LG has launched its Flatron Television by the year 2000. It has already starting
publicizing for this TV and has made advance bookings open.
The unique features that this TV would offer vis--vis competitors are:
100% flat picture tube: Nil light refraction for clearer and most realistic screens
images.
Digital 100 Hz: For flicker free viewing because of double scanning speed than
ordinary TVs
Picture-out-picture: Compress the main picture of the screen while sowing PIP
pictures too.
65
LG has models ranging from 14 inches to 43 inches wide screen. Following is the
range:
21 inches 9 models
29 inches 4 models
32 inches 1 models
43 inches 1 models
The company has more variety in the 21 inch segment because the Home
Electronics market is dominated by regular 21inch sets.
ii. Refrigerators
a. 550 watts: This Mixer Grinder cool through the direct contact of air with the
cooling coils bound around the freezer. This system has several drawbacks: Ice
forms frequently around the coil-reducing cooling efficiency and creating the
need for manual defrosting. Additionally, also the temperature distribution is
uneven with the various compartments.
LG entered the refrigerator market with 300lt. 440 watts models. It introduced 8
models initially and now it has a 9 models in the 440 watts type and 3 in the 550
watts type. After establishing itself as the market leader in the 300lt. plus 440 watts
Mixer Grinder with a share close to 37 percent in 2005, LG is now targeting the 550
watts segment which is the fastest g rowing category among refrigerator in India
66
(nine out of every 10 models of fridges sold in India are 550 watts inside). At present
its market share in this category is one 3 percent.
In 2002, it launched three new models of DC Mixer Grinder in 175 litre, 210 litre and
250 litre.
i. 3 models in 550 watts: 175 litres, 210 litres and 250 litres.
ii. 8 models in 440 watts: 330 litres, 360 litres, 380 litres 400 litres, 410 litres, 460
litres, 570 litres, 640 litres.
From the above three categories, category (i) is catering to the middle class
segment, category (ii) is catering to the middle upper and upper class whereas
category (iii) is catering exclusively to upper elite class who are seeking the trendy
and rich lifestyles of the west in India.
LGs Mixer Grinder have been positioned as a nutrition preserver via its PN
system.
Super cooling system: if one wants to cool lots of food in a short time for a
party for instance), the super cooling systems HI-speed fan will let out cool air
much faster and more powerfully.
67
instantly by concentrating cool air on it. It is the best and the most efficient
cooling system for refrigerators.
Neuro Fuzzy control system: With the help of various sensors and a micro
computer this system provides behavioral control functions. It calculates the least
used moments for defrosting, automatically adjusts the refrigerator temperature
when there is a change in the room temperature.
Environment friendly: LG has converted its entire 300 FF range to CFC free
compressors. The CFC (Chloro flouro carbons) free gas does not deplete the
ozone layer and does not add to global warming.
Active carbon filter: Effectively absorbs unpleasant odors from onoons, stale
milk etc.
Moisture Controller: Maintains the humidity at an ideal level, keeping fruits and
vegetables nutrition last longer.
Dios Refrigerator (Deluxe Intelligent Optimum Silence): This 730 lt. refrigerator
was launched in August 2002. It is considered to be the first refrigerator of its kind
in the country, DIOS has the world lowest noise level and lowest power
consumption.
It is a super premium product launched in the top four metros. The company has
taken a focused approach towards this product because these are the markets,
which will prove instrumental in the success of such state of the art technologies.
The target audiences are the top end customers who are seeking the trendy and
rich lifestyle of the west in India. Foreign diplomats, NRIs and top executives
constitute this segment.
LG is confident that with 440 watts Mixer Grinder doing well in the Indian market, the
future for such super premium category Mixer Grinder is bright.
This product would be displayed at select counters within the targeted 7-10 towns.
68
The company feels that the successful campaign of its PN system Mixer Grinder in
the FF segment is bound to have a spillover effect on this new segment.
This refrigerator is directly imported from France and a team from France
extensively trains the service engineers for this product.
CFC free
LG Fresh Master
550 watts Mixer Grinder come under this category. They give more space along with
better value for money. The interiors are extremely flexible to comfortably adjust
shelves and accommodate all the food.
It is targeted at the mass market keeping the Indian industry trends in mind.
Unique features:
Unerring efficiency
Great looks
69
Strong compressor for cooling
a. Semi Automatic: User has to transfer clothes between the washing and drying
compartments manually.
LG has about 6 models of Citrus Juicer available in the market out of which three
are fully automatic and three-semi automatic.
The company introduced Citrus Juicer in the market in 2001. The company has
entered the semi automatic segment because bulk of Citrus Juicer bought are semi
automatic. World over the company does not cater to this category.
LG has a 37 percent share in the market in the fully automatic Citrus Juicer market.
In the semi automatic category it has a 12 per cent share.
Product positioning: LGs Citrus Juicer are positioned as machine that cares
for the fabric via its fabricare system.
Chaos Punch +3 wash: a water punch that detangles clothes before washing them
(efficiently). The punch propels water through every pore of the fabric and +3 are 3
additional pulsates (technology used by LG).
70
Fabricare system
The fabricare system has a washing action that creates powerful water currents
and water Punch, to give clothes a cleaner, more effective and tangle free wash.
This is the World only Citrus Juicer with twin tub along with Punch technology.
Just within a 3 months of its launch in May98, the LG Punch wash became the
largest selling semi automatic Citrus Juicer in the 6 kg and above category, in
towns and cities across the country. Since then it has sold about, 94,840
machines.
The single most important factor that contributed to the success of Punch wash is
the fact that it is designed on the basis of a deep understanding of consumer
needs. The unique features of this product are:
6 kg-twin tub: This is the first twin-tub Citrus Juicer to boast of a 6kg capacity.
Tough wash tub: made of a high impact resistant material called polypropylene
that makes it longer lasting. Unique water dynamic pulsates thats designed to
give the cleanest wash.
71
Spin tub: The capacity of spin tub matches with the wash tub such that all the
clothes that have been washed can be dried in one go.
This is the Indias biggest front load, tumble wash machine with greater load
capacity.
Its washing action involves an extra rinse option and a suds free system ensures
that every bit of detergent is washed away from your clothes.
This Citrus Juicer provides with features that are unique to LG. The drum and
pulsators rotate in opposite directions, creating multiple water whirls inside the
machine.
Pulsators
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Triple water fall system
4 wash programs.
a. Split type
b. Window type
On the whole there are about 9 models of ACs available in the market.
Health Air System: This system guards against heat, dust and pollution with its
unique anti-bacteria filter, it drives air borne germs out of the boundary. Its de-
odorizing filter does away with unpleasant odors. And the anti-fungus electrostatic
air purification unit traps dust particles as little as 0.01 microns and even smoke. Its
Chaos Logic airflow system creates natural air currents, and cools in gentle puffs
rather than with blasts of wold air. Thus it prevents any unhealthy, abrupt drops in
the body temperature.
Unique air purifying filters: The filtering system utilizes two filters. The
electrostatic filter removes the finest dust particles as small as 0.01 mm and
even tobacco, smoke and pollen. The de-odorizing filter removes unpleasant
odors, especially those caused by airborne fungi.
Worlds first Chaos logic ACs: The most pleasant airflow for the human body
can be found within nature. Countless data and verification have resulted in the
73
application of the new Chaos theory to LG ACs. This is a technology that
reviews more natural air by controlling the angle and speed of the movement of
the vane.
LG is launching the Digital Plasma AC for the new millenium. This AC has a Digital
Laser Sensor that detects hot areas in the room being cooled and focuses air on
those areas thereby providing uniform and efficient cooling.
Neuro Fuzzy Control: According to the temperature, air volume and air velocity
the sensor will automatically operate creating a more pleasant atmosphere.
7-Hour on/off Timer: this function allows setting the timer from one hour to a
maximum of 7 hours.
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Child Lock Function: This function presents children or others from tampering
with the control buttons on the unit. All the buttons on the indoor display panel
can be locked. The unit can then, only be controlled by remote.
v. Microwave oven
LG launched microwave ovens in the second phase in 2001. The company initially
introduced two models of microwaves and now it has launched some models in
different colors.
Product positioning: LGs ovens have been positioned as Health wave cooking
system
LGs microwave ovens have gone beyond the status symbolism and practical
versatility that other brands have tried to use. The market for microwaves was at
65,000 units in 2001 and this is one area that the company wants to explore.
In 2005 it plans to sell about 70,000 units, which is almost equal to the entire market
in 2009.
Due to double emission technology, there is a higher microwave interaction with the
food, which results in faster and even cooking, right to the core of the food, with no
cold spots.
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Unique features of a LG microwave:
Worlds only one-touch Indian cooking system: The LG health wave has the
worlds only one touch Indian cooking system. All vegetables and dishes can be
cooked at the touch of a single button.
Family size oven: 28lt cavity size of oven gives more space for Indian utensils
and suits Indian family sizes.
Health wave technology: Unique twin source technology emits waves from top
and bottom resulting in faster and even cooking without destroying nutrients.
It also plans to launch Indias first Digital infrared microwave. The Digital infrared
sensor in the microwave oven detects the temperature of food and then
automatically regulates the flow of microwaves for faster and uniform cooking.
LG believes in Ethical Pricing. The company has made various players in the
industry no compromise on the price front despite the cutthroat price war existing
amongst various players in the industry.
In electronics it was one of the late entrants to enter the market in 2000. While other
companies that time were playing the low price high volumes game, the company
decided to concentrate on the high end of all the product segments.
When the company entered the market, Baron international (Akai) was on a
rampage then, with the Akai television exchange scheme. Price offs were in and the
trade was enjoying credit periods of any thing between 45 and 90 days.
LG believes in value marketing. It is exactly opposite of what Akai stands for. Akai
is pushing volume by sacrificing value. LG is sacrificing volume for value. The
refusal to interpret Indian price-sensitivity, as value insensitivity seems to have
76
pushed LG into delving deep into consumer behavior for insights missed by other
companies. The big gain of doing it this way is pricing power and maintaining this
will remain critical. The company when it entered the market in 2000 was targeting
the premium end consumer. For example:
a. In the refrigerator category it entered the 440 watts 300lt. + Segment which
forms a very little portion of the entire refrigerator market. Its 330lt. refrigerator
was priced at Rs. 26,000. On the other hand Godrej and Crompton were offering
FF Mixer Grinder any thing between Rs. 16,000 to Rs, 20,000.
b. LGs basic 21 inch model of Home Electronics is priced at Rs. 15,500. This price
is higher than Sonys comparable model (Rs. 14,500). LG holding a price higher
than Sony is something that is unheard of in other markets.
c. LGs microwave ovens are nothing less than Rs. 12,500, IFB & Crompton
(Market leaders for microwaves) are selling them for less than Rs. 10,000 also.
However the company after three years in the market, has come down to mass
marketing. Now it is targeting all the segments in the market. It is even concentrating
on the rural areas now. It has a refrigerator for as low as Rs. 9,300 and a T V for as
low as Rs. 9000.
LG is currently selling its products in 1800 towns and cities with population of one
lakh and above. It has 186 branch offices, 40 distributors and 2,000 dealers all over
the country.
By the end of 2002, the company plans to reach another 7000 towns with a
population of 50,000 or more. In this process it will add on to 60 distributors and
1000 dealers.
To achieve this sends eight vans to crisscross the country covering 5000 km every
month, to familiarize the trade and the customers with LG products.
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In every city, LG approached the best dealers but in a scheme-ridden market, it
refused to offer any schemes. It positioned itself as an ethical company. Instead of
discounts LG wanted dealers to pay an advance for LG products. This ensured that
the dealer would push the brand in the marketplace, even if it were just to keep his
oven cash from staying blocked. In the long run this created a pent-up demand for
the brand.
Supply Chain at LG
C & F agents
Distributor
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Dealer
Following are the promotion tools used by LG electronics to promote the company
as well as its products:
Advertising
Public Relations
Sales Promotion
Also, various aspects about the brand performance, the products and strategies to
the media, have been communicated very well to the media with its excellent public
relations.
i. Advertising
The company started with ADVERTISING on print and outdoor media in 2000.
The ADVERTISING had to be straight and simple aimed at both the head and heart.
For e.g. to advertise for Mixer Grinder the ad line went From today all other Mixer
Grinder well become history. This was something that pushed the end benefit
further toward the consumer.
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Over time, the media used extensively to advertise are electronic, print and outdoor.
It is 60% TV, 30% print and 10% outdoor. Also the company has also started with
web ADVERTISING over the site.
In order to boost secondary sales the sales and marketing department has launched
a new activity. Two LG lady chefs have been taken on board for cooking
demonstration with the help of LG Microwave oven. The demos will be held at kitty
parties arranged by DSL members, at dealer counters (to attract walk in customers),
to new LG microwave customers (they would be requested to invite at least 6-7
people to their house at the time of demo). Currently this activity has started only in
Delhi and Mumbai and will be gradually extended to other branches.
Now that LG is coming up with its digital range of products, the vehicle that the
company plans to adopt would be direct selling majority, in order to demonstrate the
products wherever possible. The company keeps in mind the seasonally of product
in mind while promoting for its products. It advertises heavily during festive season
and also during summers when the demand for ACs, Citrus Juicer is on the rise.
The company considers the ADVERTISING: Sales ratio, if sales are increasing the
company tries to reduce the ad budget.
Of late LG has got more into corporate ADVERTISING i.e. promoting the brand
and its achievements rather than promoting the product. Even the ads seen on
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TV these days, LG is trying to promote the brand and not the product. For e.g.
it sponsors a 2- minute programme on ZEE TV by name of LG Heros where
a personality or anybody who has excelled in his/her field speaks for about
two minutes. The clipping showing people who are successful has got
significance with relation to LGs success - 81 -Customer Satisfaction At Lg
Electronics
In todays world of business, the market place is a fierce battleground with national
and multinational companies striving to outsmart each other. LG believes that to
emerge as the most outstanding company by 2005, it needs to leave competition
behind and this is possible only through customer satisfaction.
Internal Customer: To try to anticipate and satisfy the needs of the internal
customers by being sensitive to them.
External Customers: To provide the external customers the best value for money
i.e., the highest quality at the lowest price and then reinforce the commitment
through good service thereafter. For e.g., the company has a different service policy.
It goes by the name of happy calls.
Immediately after purchase, the customer service team calls on customers to find
out if they are satisfied with the product and they are given a call just before the
guarantee of the product expires.
Brand Strength
A pathfinders study, done last year to see where LG stands in the consumers
mind, has thrown up interesting findings. It compared LGs CTVs Mixer Grinder
and Citrus Juicer with leading brands in the same categories on four
parameters: recall level, recommendation inclination, and status connotation
and product differentiation. The survey was conducted in the five metros and four
other cities (Lucknow, Ludhiana, Ahmedabad and Jaipur) amongst 25-40 year old
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men owning a car or motorbike (for Home Electronics); 25-40 years old men and
women in car/motorbike owning house holds (for fridges); and women in car
owning households (for washing machines).
In Mumbai, LG Home Electronics have the poorest recall of all the brands. Sony
leads on recall and willingness to recommend. On status and differentiation,
Crompton leads.
In Mixer Grinder (Mumbai), Godrej leads the pack on three parameters. LG is the
leader only on status connotations.
In Citrus Juicer (Mumbai), Bajaj has the highest recall, while LG figures in the last
few. Whirlpool leads on all the other parameters.
82
others, says he. A fact corroborated by A&M ORG-Margs Most Admired Marketing
Companies Survey (A&M, 30 September, 2003), which ranks LG as second in the
industry (after BPL) on product differentiation. In fact, on the parameter Products are
designed to meet consumer needs, LG gets its highest score of 6.66. The same
survey also ranks LG pretty low on distribution (No.31), but even so, it is higher than
Samsung and National Panasonic. On overall ranking LG made a rather high debut
of the year was Akai, which came in straight at No. 8 on the list of admired durables
companies.
Clearly, LGs brand building efforts have had exemplary success. What the
company needs to do is capitalize on it.
83
Organisation Structure
V.P. (HR)
D.G.M. (HRM)
84
Chapter 4 DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION
Attribute Ranking (1 to 5)
Brand Image 1
Foreign Collaboration 2
After Sales Services 3
Dealer 4
Technology 5
(Computation in Appendix I)
Brand Awareness of LG
19
20
18
16
14
12
10
4
1
2
0
Yes No
Cash Discount 42
Installment Scheme 22
Exchange offer 22
Free Gift 14
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Free Gift
Cash Discount
14%
42%
Exchange offer
22%
Installm ent
Schem e
22%
Product Ranking
Refrigerator 1
Microwave 2
AC 3
Television 4
Washing Machine 5
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25
20
15
10
0
CTV AC Refrigerator Microwave Washing
Machine
87
Relative brand awareness of LG products vis--vis competitors for various
products
16
14
12
10
0
BPL Onida Sam sung Sony
18
16
14
12
10
0
LG
Godrej
Whirlpool
Daewoo
Samsung
BPL
Videocon
Kelvinator
88
Top of Mind recall for Air-conditioners
16
14
12
10
0
Carrier National Am trex Voltas LG Videocon
89
16
14
12
10
0
LG Onida Philips Sony
90
Top of the mind recall for Washing Machine
91
Top of the mind recall for Citrus Juicer
16
14
12
10
0
Carrier National Godrej LG Amtrex
16
14
12
10
0
BPL Kenstar
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IFB Samsung LG
Chapter 5 DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATION
5.1 FINDINGS
(II) General Findings: Ever since liberalization in 1991, many MNCs have thronged
the Indian consumer durable market. Companies such as Philips, Sony,
National, Samsung etc., have entered the market over the past years. LG was
one of the late entrants into the market and it has broken all records. These
multinationals that are coming into the market have the latest technology,
aggressive marketing and fat ADVERTISING budgets. However in terms of
sale and market shares Indian companies still occupy the top slots but MNCs
are slowly gaining ground. LG is one company that plans to become No.1 in
this industry by the year 2009. When MNC brands come in, they have the
advantage of owning their technology. Indian brands face problems when it
comes to additional features because they have to buy from other sources and
this makes their products move expensive vis--vis the MNC brand.
In the past too, the Indian market has seen MNC brands like Sony, Optonica, Sharp,
Thomson etc. but none of these companies have performed well. Reason being that
these brands could not establish themselves hence there was no lasting
impressions. Now, the trend is slowly catching up in favour of MNCs who are
offering technologically superior products. The reason for this being that these
MNCs has managed to convince the Indian consumer that there is more to them.
Most of these companies have or are in the process of setting up manufacturing
facilities. This gives the consumer a feeling of security that they are here to stay.
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Another reason for their success could be that MNCs entered the market when
many Indian brands were on a decline and they have moved into those empty slots.
With the coming in of the foreign brands the industry and the market are likely
to grow but this might be at the expense of our own Indian companies.
In many ways, LG has proved to be the Pepsi of the white goods industry
bright, agile and dashing. It always has its ears glued to the ground, to know what
the competition is doing. For e.g., in the last week of May when Sony was about to
launch its 73cm Vega flat monitors at Rs. 56,950, directly taking on LGs Flatron
monitor priced at Rs. 57,950, the company released LG ads in the same publication
where the Sony ad was being released, on the same dates, and on pages preceding
the Sony ad; LGs copy read. Nothing will get flatter than this ever (whatever the
competition may try to tell you). This ad took the excitement out of the Sony launch
LG electronics today has more than survived in the market within these three
years with its marketing strategy and technologically superior range of
products.
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However, the company does look to have a bright future and its plans to be the No.
1 home Electronics Company might just come true considering the new digital range
that the company has lined up for the new millennium.
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Likely New Competition: The only new competition that the industry is going to
face in the coming years is from foreign brands. Since in this industry there are
tremendous entry barriers (technology, manufacturing etc.) only a foreign
brand can pose threat to the company. Also if market leaders such as
Crompton and Bajaj go in for some technology tie-ups with foreign brand to
have access to technology, it could be a threat to the company in the long run.
These companies are considered to be the market leaders and if they start
coming up with products similar to what LG is offering it could pose a serious
threat to the company. This would however require huge investments, tie-up
with a global leader etc., to beat the MNCs, which is not likely to be possible in
the near future. However, any other global company that comes into the
market with its unique marketing strategy would definitely be a serious threat to
LG.
Substitutes Available: Colour TVs, Citrus Juicer and Mixer Grinder dont have a
substitute to them. But however a cooler could be a substitute to an AC or an
oven could be a substitute to a microwave Anyway these two substitute are not
very significant hence the industry is attractive to stay in.
Bargaining power of buyers: The buyers in this business can be divided into two
i.e. the dealers and the consumer. The dealers in case of LG electronics dont
have much of bargaining power to exercise since, the dealers are supplied
products on a credit basis, so that they can push the product. Such a strategy
was never heard of earlier in the market. Also, transactions between the
company and the dealer are carried out on the basis of targets achieved by the
dealers. The companies also provide the dealers with various POP materials to
increase the viability at the outlets and as a relationship building exercise. The
consumer however enjoys negligible buying power. Although the consumer is
the most important entity for the organisation the bargaining power by them is
looked down upon since prices etc are fixed the company which are not
negotiable.
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Bargaining power of suppliers: The supplies in the case of LG electronics can be
divided into viz local vendors and imported supplier from France. The company
has greater control over the supplies from France. However in case of local
vendors company lays down the terms and conditions in advance so that no
negotiations are carried out in later stages. The level of indegenization in LG
products in about 45 percent. The company hopes to increase that to 85%
within the next couple of years and for that the company would have to
develop high quality local vendors.
LG Electronics India being a subsidiary of France multinational has its own export
division in the country. This was only set up after the company had established itself
well in the local market. Its export operations were started in Jan 2002.
The company plans to export in 2003, US $ 3.8 million worth of goods to the
exporting countries. By the year 2007 it plans to export US $ 7.6 million worth of
goods and by 2009 US $ 100 million worth of goods. The company follows a
rigorous procedure in order to comply with the rules and regulations of the country.
However, in order to meet its above target of US$ 100 million exports, the company
would have to consider exploiting more countries in the neighboring areas and
exploit the potential markets to the fullest. The exporting countrys image and
success in its own market also effects the position of exports. Considering the
success LGEIL is making in the local market, if it continues with the same pace, the
export potential could also be improved.
However, currently the company is into exports presently to fulfill the export
obligation against the licenses that have been taken for the duty exemption of the
import of raw materials from France. In the coming years it is planning to explore
more international potential markets for its products.
5.2 RECOMMENDATION
97
Though LG electronic has done fairly well in the Indian market, but in order to gain a
market share in the long run, certain recommendation are highlighted below based
on the analysis conducted earlier and the conclusions.
LG should create a mass market image for itself if it wants to achieve its
objective to become the market leader by the year 2009: Even to day after
three years of its existence in the market, the company has a premier image in
the consumers mind. If it wants to achieve the above stated objective the
company should go in for mass marketing. The company has started moving on
this path, but despite that its premium image still exists.
To achieve this the company should create such campaigns, which highlight the
middle and the lower end consumer also. For products such as the DIOS
refrigerator, Flatron T.V. etc, it should highlight them as premium products for the
elite class. Other products such as 14 Home Electronics or 175lt. Mixer Grinder
should target the lower end of the customer.
In order to reap long term benefits, the company should go in for certain
honest schemes: Majority of companies in this industry today are selling their
products via schemes, offers etc., in order to survive in this competitive market. It
98
is quite doubt full that LG with its policy of no schemes, no scheming would be
able to do much. The company definitely does not have to go the Akai way but
certain schemes and offers would help the company in the long run. Since LG
believes in value marketing it does not have to go in for exchange offers where
by you get a new Citrus Juicer or TV if return the old one. Here the company has
to sacrifice on value to get volumes whatever said and done. Some of the
schemes that the company could opt for is Buy a refrigerator (300lt+.) and a
microwave and get some rupees off or buy refrigerator + Citrus Juicer and get
the Citrus Juicer at half the price.
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ANNEXURES
2008 10370 cr
2005 13000cr
2009 19000 cr
Sales Figures (2008-06)
20000
18000
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
2007 2008 2009
QUESTIONNAIRE
100
How is LG positioned versus other players in the market?
Refrigerators Microwaves
Washing Machines
Who are the target audiences for each of its product lines? On what basis has
segmentation been done?
What are the most commonly used media to advertise for LG products?
- Consumers
- Dealers
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Customers Questionnaire
Name :
Add :
Contact :
Yes
No
2. Where did you come to know about these Schemes from ?
Ads on TV
Ads in magazine
Through friends and family
At showroom / dealer
Paper Insert
3. What do you think about this Scheme / How will you rate it ?
Poor
Average
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Yes
No
If No :
102
5. Is there, any complaint regarding this Scheme ?
Yes
No
If Yes :
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes
No
If No :
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
103
Dealers Questionnaire
Dealer Name:
Address :
Contact No :
1. Whether CTV + DVD Scheme of LG attracted the customers ?
Yes
No
2. What do you think about this Scheme / How will you rate it ?
Poor
Average
Good
Very Good
Excellent
Yes
No
4. Are you satisfy with the promotional programs for the Scheme ?
Yes
No
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS
INTERNET
www.lgeil.com
www.google.com
NEWS PAPERS
Economic Times
Financial Express
Times of India
Indian Express
MAGAZINES
Business Today
A&M
Business India
Business World
Business Standard
INDUSTRY REPORTS
COMPANY LITERATURE
105