Air Consumer Purifier Report

Panasonic woos the Indian market

Daizo Ito, Panasonic India's Chief Executive is not unduly perturbed by the blistering 44 degree Delhi heat. As we enter the business centre at a star hotel, he questions one on the brand of air-conditioner being used at home.

As one involuntarily rattles off a Korean brand name, he earnestly urges one to try out the new model from the Panasonic stable that has been developed completely with Indian consumer insights.

Since April 2010, when Ito took charge of the Indian operations of Panasonic, his prime concern has been to convert the Japanese brand into a household name.

In the Rs 26,000-crore durables market monopolised by the Korean behemoths, the Japanese company wants to enhance competition and reclaim Panasonic's brand equity.

“We are the No.1 or 2 brand in most Asian countries,” he avers, “but in India our brand awareness compared to our rivals even till about four years ago was rock-bottom. But now India is a high ground of opportunities.”

The parent company, known for its technology, has, instead, been focusing on China as its growth driver. The result has been stark. China contributes nearly 8 per cent to its global turnover, while India contributes only 3-4 per cent.

But Ito says this will change in the coming years. “We are committed to our growth in India. The vision for Panasonic is to grow the business here and by 2018, the 100{+t}{+h} year of our founding, we hope this will go up to 10 per cent. We are building a rational brand and investing in research and technology and even customising for the Indian market,” he says.

On the turnover front, he says, “We expect Panasonic India's turnover to be Rs 5,500 crore in 2010-11 and we are on track to reach the Rs 9,000-crore mark by 2012. This next phase of growth will be a time of learning and understanding consumer behaviour,” he added.

Take a look at the new cube split air-conditioner. Ito says the product was developed completely with Indian consumer insights.

“Our R&D team from Malaysia had visited consumer homes and came to the conclusion that window ACs are noisy; besides, such ACs block the light coming in through the window. We, therefore, customised a product to marry need with desire,” Ito says. Indian consumers are still price- and value-conscious, but want technologically superior products.

Consumer Reports Top Ranked HEPA Air Purifiers

There are many air purifiers available to consumers in todays market and it can sometimes be tricky to identify the most cost effective and appropriate for your needs. Consumer Reports test a good number of HEPA air purifiers inside a broad range of prices. Two of Customer Reviews best rated HEPA Air Purifiers are:

    * The IQ Air HealthPro. It is a higher in price model at a cost range from $650 – $800. It’s been rated as the best possible product in the marketplace regarding removing things that trigger allergies, viruses, germs, smells, volatile organic materials, ammonias and sulfuric gas. Should you or anybody in the family suffers from bronchial asthma, allergies or any sort of difficulty in breathing, this is the machine you’ll want. It will clean up to a 1000 square foot space and notifies you whenever it requires a filter change that’s basically every two to four years.     * The HealthMate HM400 that is among the list of models of Austin air purifiers. This appliance is around the cost bracket of $400. They are great devices that are very successful at getting rid of dust and pollen but ratings tell us they are not able to eliminate smoke allergens. The Austin Air Jr. which is a more compact, less expensive model (approximately $300) is also available.

How are the air purifiers rated? There are certain key points that are considered while an air purifier is being rated.

    Proficiency – How proficient was the device compared to how much it costs. Does it accomplish what it’s purported to?     * Warrantee – A company should stand behind their product and there should be an excellent warranty if not a lifetime warrantee.

Before choosing a HEPA air purifier think about what you require it to do. If you are strictly struggling with things that trigger allergies then it might not be important to pay on the more expensive of the scale. Furthermore think about how large of a model is required. With the multitude of superb air purifiers available on the market it will not be hard to find the one that meets your requirements.

Consumer reports

Indoor Pollution

Consumer reports buying guide issue

Spinoff, Annual Report, 2009

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