Mumbai : Panasonic, the global leader in innovation and technology, as a part of its India strategy, today launched the Cube AC, an India exclusive product innovation and first of its kind in the world. The “No.1 Green Innovation electronics Company” in the making has upgraded the existing range of air conditioners by introducing Eco Navi, an intelligent Eco-technology  in the premium split range besides increasing product variants. Eco Navi technology senses the absence in the room and cools select areas translating into reduced energy consumption.

Mr. Ikuo Miyamoto, Managing Executive Officer, Corporate Management Division for Asia and Oceania – Panasonic Corporation & Managing Director, Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd, Mr. Daizo Ito, President, Panasonic India and Manish Sharma, Director – Marketing, Panasonic India unveiled the Cube AC

The Cube AC has been developed and launched considering the requirements of the Indian consumer, which reflected in the survey conducted by Panasonic starting in mid 2009 using interview method with the consumers. Keeping in mind the Indian climate conditions and space restrictions with a rise in the apartment lifestyle, the Cube retains the best features of both spilt and window AC – stronger air throw with reduced noise levels,  quick cooling, sleek and stylish looks, can be mounted on the wall and most importantly, is an economical option.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ikuo Miyamoto, Managing Executive Officer, Corporate Management Division for Asia and Oceania – Panasonic Corporation & Managing Director, Panasonic Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. said, “India is a key market for Panasonic. With growing and consuming India, we intend to introduce more and more products that can enhance and improve quality of life and address specific requirements of our Indian customers. Internationally, Panasonic is a household name in technology innovation and has continuously set standards in the electronics industry. We intend replicating the same in India, by launching products that marry international technology with the features customized to local requirements. Cube AC, in fact, has been developed exclusively for the Indian market in keeping with this strategy.”

Talking about the strategy, Mr. Daizo Ito, President, Panasonic India, said, “As part of our India strategy, we have and will continue to launch localized products catering to the Indian requirements besides bringing the best in class technologies and concepts in consumer durable to India, which has helped us in garnering high growth across categories. Launch of Cube AC, introduction of Eco Navi and upgrading of AC line is a step in this direction. Further, Eco Navi launch today reaffirms our commitment to Eco Ideas philosophy by bringing energy efficient solutions to our customers.”  He further added, “With these launches, we aim to capture 25 % market share of split AC market by 2012, with high growth being envisioned from Tier II& III cities.”

Sharing her thoughts, Brand Ambassador for Panasonic Home Appliances, Katrina Kaif said, “I am very pleased to be part of the launch of innovative and cutting edge technologies in India with Panasonic launching a first of its kind Cube AC and introducing Eco Navi concept in split ACs.”

For the first time in India, a smart technology is being introduced in air conditioners which enables area, occupancy and activity detection in the room and regulates cooling accordingly, leading to energy savings. Eco Navi by Panasonic is a smart, intelligent & innovative technology, which scans the area for occupancy and activity and throws air only at the area which is occupied and regulates cooling on basis of activity.  Panasonic also rolled out an upgraded version of the existing Saphire AC introducing a new variant with inverter technology.

Mr. Manish Sharma, Director – Marketing, Panasonic India said, “It gives us immense pleasure to introduce another innovative technology and upgrade our existing AC range. Panasonic has constantly worked towards anticipating customer needs and fulfilling them.  With the Cube launch Panasonic intends to increase its reach in Tier II Tier III markets, besides continuing to bring quality solutions for our premium customers by introducing Eco Navi concept in select spilt ACs.” Talking about the marketing strategy, he added, “The products will hit the shops by January 2011 and we intend rolling out an integrated marketing campaign, across TVC and outdoor, by February onwards.”