HTC heads to India

Encouraged by strong sales growth in India, HTC has decided to start making products in the country along with a local partner. HTC has manufacturing units in Taiwan and China.

“We have seen tremendous growth in shipment and sales in India. In the first quarter alone, we have grown 150 per cent over the same period last year. We are looking at local assembly to begin with along with a local partner,” HTC President Global Sales Chang Chialin told reporters in Taipei.

Currently, global handset makers like Samsung and domestic players like Micromax and Spice have assembly units in the country. Given the government’s push for ‘Make in India’, many device makers have evinced interest in starting manufacturing in the country.

Last week, Celkon Mobiles inaugurated its manufacturing facility in Telangana, which has been set up with an investment of Rs 200 crore. Micromax will also set up a unit in the state.

“India is not just an important but a crucial market. It has been doing tremendously well for us and we are focused on staying invested in the Indian market,” HTC Chairwoman and CEO Cher Wang said. HTC has also partnered John Abraham to sponsor NorthEast United FC, a football club promoted by the actor. Besides, it has appointed him as its brand evangelist for India.