Thursday, January 27 2005 14:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Korean consumer electronics giant LG Electronics plans to launch its notebook computers in India, but will await the Union Budget next month anticipating a further cut in import tariffs.

"We are planning to launch notebook PCs in India. We will take a final decision after the Budget next month," LG Electronics India General Manager R Manikandan told reporters in Bangalore today (Jan 27, 2005).

He said if the import tarriffs come down further to about five per cent this year as per India's commitment to the WTO (World Trade Organisation), LG would be able to price its notebook PCs competitively in the country.

Manikandan said the firm plans to double its IT business in India during 2005, up from the Rs 741 crore posted in 2004, which was a 69 per cent jump from revenues of Rs 437 crore.

He said the Indian PC market was moving towards the branded segment due to general awareness among consumers.

Quoting market research firm IDC, Manikandan said, LG stood at third position with a market share of 6.4 per cent, led by HP at 14.2 per cent and HCL at 13.7 per cent in PC sales.

LG meanwhile launched its all format DVD re-writer 16X and Flatron LCD/TFT monitor in the Indian market.