Usha Shriram plans to launch a range of smartphones and feature phones to make a foray into the mobile handset segment

Consumer durables maker Usha Shriram plans to launch a range of smartphones and feature phones to make a foray into the mobile handset segment.

The company would primarily focus on tier II and III markets with its GSM and CDMA phones whose prices would range between Rs.700 and Rs.10,000.

“Initially we are planning to launch six models in features phones and four models of smartphones. By February-end, we are intending to launch it,” said Satnam Sandhu, senior vice-president, Usha Shriram.

The company has a target to sell two lakh phones per month in 2016 and would add new models every month, he said, adding that it has a target to have around 1% of the handset market in the first year.

“We would start north and east region first. All the sets would be manufactured here,” said Sandhu, adding the company is in talks with some vendors for contract manufacturing for its handsets.

The company would leverage on its brand name while promoting the new handsets, Sandhu added.

“Usha Shriram is a household name and it carries a legacy in the market,” he added. The company is present in water purification, lighting and cookware segments. It also sells furniture under Usha Shriram Lexus brand.

Apart from that it also has a chain of boutique hotels under the name Usha Shriram Lexus Hotels and Resorts. PTI