by NR INDRAN / INT

Mumbai : Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of the Whirlpool Corporation, the world’s #1 manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, today announced aggressive growth plans for the Indian market as it unveiled its new products across 6 categories – Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air Conditioners, Microwave, Water Purifiers and Built-in kitchen appliances – in the presence of its brand ambassador Kajol.  The new portfolio expands Whirlpool’s presence across multiple categories, and the launch of products in premium and super premium price segments is an indicator of the opportunity it sees in emerging India.

Mr.Arvind Uppal, President Asia Pacific and Chairman & Managing Director, Whirlpool of India, said, “As always, our endeavor has been to introduce appliances that will be valued for performance, quality, design and differentiated features, which have been Whirlpool’s hallmark of success. This launch is distinctive in its scale: the breadth of categories and the number of offerings are unprecedented and positions Whirlpool to cater to every segment in the consumer pyramid. With this launch we are aiming for leadership in Refrigerator and Washers in the next 18 months and overall leadership in Home Appliances in the next 3 years”.

Whirlpool’s new and innovative home appliance product line-up includes the following:

1.   Anew range of Frost Free Refrigerators called Neo iChill

2.   Anew range of Direct Cool Refrigerators called Icemagic.

3.   Two new model line ups of  Spilt Air Conditioners: 3D Cool and Chrome Turbo

4.   Anew range of kitchen products comprising Built-In Ovens, Barbeque, Hobs and Hoods

5.   WhiteMagic1-2-3 nxt with new and advanced 6th Sense technology and White Magic Split Wash Washing Machines

6.   MagiCook1-2-3 Microwave Oven

The new product line-up is a consequence of incisive consumer insights drawn from extensive market research and testing. Combined with Whirlpool’s intuitive and intelligent ‘6th Sense’ technology, the new range of products contain a high degree of consumer-relevant innovation and comes withWhirlpool’s assurance of high performance, design and quality.

Speaking on the occasion, Bollywood icon & Whirlpool’s Brand Ambassador Kajol stated, “It is a pleasure to be associated with a brand so committed to meeting the aspirations of Indian homemakers in cooking, cleaning, washing and cooling. What is amazing is Whirlpool’s ability to offer products that appeal to such a wide spectrum of consumers. Their expertise in design and innovation is  evident in the products that have been launched this summer.”

The newly launched products will be supported by a multi-media campaign including above-the-line advertising featuring Whirlpool’s brand ambassadors, Kajol &Ajay Devgan and will be supported by a host of below-the-line activities such as novel marketing tie-ups, social media, in-store activities, promotions, and direct marketing. The total advertising and marketing spend earmarked for this year is ~Rs. 100 Cr

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