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Richa Mishra

NEW DELHI, March 12

NOT only is the country wanting the `Men in Blue' to continue their winning streak, but consumer electronics players too are saying `Yeh Dil Maange More' to the cash counters.

Thanks to the festive season and now the World Cup, the colour television (CTV) segment is expecting almost 50 per cent growth in the first quarter of the year when compared to the previous year.

Say industry insiders, "We were expecting the growth to last till March 15, but now the festivity seems to be continuing and by March 31 we expect sales between 22 lakh units to 25 lakh units." It's sport which is driving the market more than anything else, as industry majors reveal that the FIFA World Cup last year saw a growth of 30 per cent and now the industry is expecting a growth between 40 to 50 per cent. "But let's not forget that January otherwise is also supposed to be a good season for sales with festivals happening in South India," Consumer Electronics and TV Manufacturers' Association (CETMA) officials say.

Speaking to Business Line, Mr. Viraag Agnihotri, General Manager- Delhi, NFO MBL India, said, "The World Cup Fever has gripped the nation. Apart from catching the action live, the attractive schemes that most of the CTV players have doled out around the mega event to woo consumers, could have led to the spurt in sales."

According to industry estimates, the CTV segment in February alone is expected to clock sales of 9.3 lakh units. Besides, the race is hotting up for the numero uno position between the Korean majors Samsung and LG. Running almost neck to neck with sales of 1.95 lakh units each during the month, the two have managed to sustain their position in the segment. Onida is placed at the third position with a contribution of about 70,000 units. A surprise package has been Philips with a sale of almost 50,000 units and BPL clocking a sale of 30,000 units, followed by Sony with a sales contribution of 25,000 units. Oscar and Thomson are tied with contributions of 20,000 units each.

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