MUMBAI: Samsung India launched its new, advanced series of air-conditioners, with 19 new models being introduced across window, split and tower air-conditioner categories. The company has invested $5 million as mould investments for the new AC range.

Samsung aims to increase its AC market share from 20 per cent in 2005 to 28 per cent in 2006. With the introduction of the new air-conditioner range, Samsung now has a range of 28 AC models, priced in the range Rs 10, 990 to Rs 109,900.

Samsung India director sales consumer electronics business Pradeep Tognatta said, "The new air-conditioner range comes equipped with Samsung's patented technology like Silver Nano Health System and differentiated product features like world's first auto shutter and surround airflow feature in window ACs and the 'Air Force' cooling system in the tower Ac's. The 'Auto Shutter' feature in the window Ac's enables remote controlled movement of the blades for constant circulation of air and automatic closing of the blades, preventing the dust from going in the when the AC is not in use."

The Samsung Split AC range has a depth of mere 145mm, Silver Nano air purifying system and minimum noise level when in operation. The tower Ac's come with five airflow vents that generate surround airstreams that cut cooling time by 30 per cent, thereby leading to quick cooling and power saving.

Samsung plans to test market its commercial Acs– Cassette type and Ductibles in the Indian market in the first half of 2006. These products are slated for introduction in the second half of this year.

Samsung India has also commenced manufacturing heat exchangers for its air-conditioners in India since November 2005. The heat exchanger unit, set up with an investment of $5.2 million, has a production capacity of 400,000 units per annum.

Tognatta added, "Based on our new, advanced air-conditioner range introduction and our plans to expand our sales and service network for air-conditioners by over 50 per cent this year, we are looking at doubling our AC volumes to over 400,000 units this year."

Elaborating on the company's plans for 2006, Samsung India deputy managing director Ravinder Zutshi said, "The new, enhanced air- conditioner lineup coupled with the product range enhancements that we have planned for our other home appliance product categories this year, should give a significant boost to our home appliance business this year."

"Furthermore, in the direction of becoming more customers oriented and responding faster to the needs of the market, we have put in place a regional structure at Samsung India. Our branch heads in each of the regions will report to the regional manager who will bring more synergy in the operations of branches in a region and at the same time ensure faster decision making. The regional manager will report into director-consumer electronics business," he added.