Samsung and rural markets

Would like to reproduce information on Samsung contributed by Manoj and data on rural markets in India contributed by Manish.
Samsung Electronics :
Chennai, Feb 5 (IANS) Consumer durables major Samsung India Electronics Ltd,
which reported a turnover of $1.7 billion in 2008, is targeting 25 percent growth this year, a top official said here Thursday. 'We don't see any serious slowdown in our sales owing to the economic slowdown. We are confident of achieving our targets this year' with the government's measures stimulating demand and banks easing lending norms, Samsung deputy managing director R. Zutshi told reporters after launching a range of air conditioners. The company is also targeting to double exports to Rs.10 billion (Rs.1,000 crore) in 2009, he added.
'We will invest around $20 million in our Noida and Chennai plants in machinery and moulds,' Zutshi said. Towards achieving the aggressive targets, the company will double the number
of Samsung Plazas to 600 (all franchisee-owned) and increase the penetration of its products in higher number of multi brand showrooms across the country. Speaking about the air conditioner market, Zutshi said the industry sold around two million units last year and the expectation for the current calendar year is 2.4 million units. Samsung India is targeting to increase its air conditioner sales volumes by 200,000 to 600,000 units this year.
Contributed by Manoj
Rural Markets :
According to MART Rural, the rural market accounts for 53% of FMCG sales and 59% of consumer durables sales in the country. Televisions, refrigerators and ceiling fans have gained over radio and bicycles. Data released by market researcher ORG-GFK, showed that television sales rose 29.3% to 10.3 million sets, while growth in refrigerator sales was 12%. Washing machines sales grew 15% while microwave ovens and air conditioners grew 26% and 17%, respectively.
Contributed by Manish