Daikin bullish on PH prospects

Daikin Industries Ltd., the world’s leading company in air-conditioning, is bullish on its prospects in the Philippine market.

It expects a 66-percent surge in sales to P1.5 billion for fiscal year ending March 2015, from an expected P900 million in revenue for the current fiscal year.

In a recent briefing, Daikin Airconditioning Philippines deputy division manager Ryuta Hayashibara said the company’s sales may be boosted by the launch of new air-con models with high coefficient of performance (COP), which translates to higher energy savings, and the increase in overall demand for climate control devices.

The company is also increasing the number of dealers for Daikin air-conditioners to 200 by yearend, from the current 150, added Daikin Philippines division manager Jed O. Caburian.

Caburian noted that Daikin air-cons, considered as the “Maserati” of air-cons, were not sold in the usual appliance stores, but through dealers, to ensure the quality of installation.

“We are particular in the way the air-cons are installed. We want our own dealers to install and provide after sales services to customers, We are confident enough with our products that’s why we do not have presence in the usual retail outlets,” he added.

The company, which currently accounts for 30 percent of the air-conditioner market in the Philippines, launched on Thursday 10 new products, of which five will cater to residential needs, and another five will handle the requirements of commercial establishments.

On the average, these air-conditioners reportedly generate 40 percent in energy savings and boast of higher COP.

One of the products launched was the Urusara, a residential type of air-conditioner that also serves as an air purifier and dehumidifier.

It was popular in Japan especially in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake when the cost of power shot up and energy savings ideas were strongly considered.