Aiptek to enter India through TVS-E

TVS Electronic (TVS-E) and Taiwan-based Aiptek International Inc have signed
an agreement to look after the distribution, marketing and service part of
Aiptek's range of digital cameras in India.

Ben Lee, VP, Sales and Marketing, Aiptek, said, "Our products have some
unique features and are different from what the Indian market is getting as of
now. By analyzing the prospects of the Indian market and capabilities of our
Indian partner -TVS-E, we are looking at achieving a market share of 15% of an
estimated market of Rs 140 crore."

The company will initially introduce four models of digital cameras, Pencam
VGA, Pocket Cam Smart, Slimcam 3200 and Pocket DV 3500. This entire range is
priced between Rs 2,200 to Rs 9,800.

Commenting on this tie-up, S Narendran, GM, Marketing, TVS-E, said, "The
digital camera market in India is moving at a fast pace. This market is growing
at the rate of 40%. We are confident of our distribution network and the quality
of Aiptek's products. Since we are capable enough for a strong customer
support, Aiptek's cameras are surely going to become a prominent brand of this
market in near future."

In terms of market strategy, Narendran said, "We will bring this camera
through our existing channel presence. In terms of our emphasis, we will
concentrate on educational institutes. For the education sector, we are also
looking forward to organizing or taking part in any education campaign so that
we can attract students for Aipteck's Cameras. We are also looking at
household users. For this, visibility of the product is essential and we will
make the entire product range of Aiptek well visible among the community."

For providing services and support to its customers, he said, "The
company would provide a one-year warranty for all four cameras. To give support
for this warranty plan, TVS-E has capabilities to cover around 500 cities of
India. In terms of giving support for warranty, the turn around time will be not
more than three days for any customer."

The company will be moving into Indian market in a phased manner. In the
first phase, the company will move into Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai Bangalore and
Hyderabad. In the next one month these markets will be explored, after that 11
more cities of India will be explored.

FAIZ ASKARI