DAIKIN'S BIG PLAN TO MEET SUMMER DEMAND

K.J. Jawa, Chairman & MD, Daikin India & Member of the Board, DIL, Japan speaks on the company’s plans for summer with early consumer demand and also on AC’s role as a ‘productivity enhancer’

IN CATEGORIES, SUCH AS air conditioners, that pick up during summers, the last year witnessed high growth in value due to premiumisation but volume growth was subdued because of the mass segment. In 2023, the expectation is to have growth across mass and premium segments, which is seen as an indication of balanced prosperity. Daikin India’s Chairman and Managing Director, K.J. Jawa, and Member of the Board, DIL, Japan firmly believes this.

“With ACs gaining the reputation of a productivity enhancer instead of a luxury purchase, it is important that we develop and market products for every section of society. At Daikin, we identify ourselves as the ‘affordable-premium’ brand,” states Jawa, explaining that owing to localisation and better supply chain merits, Daikin has been able to lift its AC’s quality and performance without increasing prices.

Not Just About Cooling

Jawa asserts that ACs today are linked to well-being, comfort and convenience. “It also impacts sleep, emotions and performance and Daikin ACs can help people remain active and productive. We have products available at every price point and for every customer need,” he says. With ambient temperature rising across the Indian sub-continent, ACs have begun to play a larger role than just cooling. “It also dons the role of ventilation, filtration and heating. There may be seasonal blips but they will not be strong enough to dent the explosive growth phase we are about to enter,” explains Jawa.