Electronics

Panasonic India Chairman Manish Sharma has called for a dedicated Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme focused on high-value air conditioner components, such as compressors and motors. As the government strengthens its support for electronics manufacturing with a ₹22,919 crore PLI for non-semiconductor components, Sharma emphasized that a tailored scheme for the AC industry could further catalyze local value addition and reduce dependency on imports.

India’s electronics sector is witnessing an unprecedented boom, driven by robust policy support, strategic investments, and expanding global trust in Made-in-India products. According to Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the industry has grown fivefold in the past decade, with domestic manufacturing reaching Rs. 11 lakh crore and exports surpassing Rs. 3.25 lakh crore. The surge has created over 25 lakh jobs and positioned India as a credible, innovation-driven hub for high-tech components and systems.

BluSmart, a prominent electric vehicle (EV) ride-hailing service operating in major Indian cities, faced significant operational disruptions this week, with passengers across Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, and Mumbai reporting difficulties in booking rides. The app's inability to fulfill ride requests coincides with mounting challenges for its co-founder, Anmol Singh Jaggi, whose other company, Gensol Engineering, is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for financial irregularities.

In a pivotal shift that could reshape global supply chains, the United States has scrapped import duties on a range of consumer electronics, giving India and Vietnam a 20% cost advantage over China. The move, driven by geopolitical realignments and diversification of sourcing, is poised to accelerate India’s ascent as a key global hub for smartphone, tablet, and laptop manufacturing. With Apple already ramping up exports from India, this tariff reprieve bolsters India’s competitiveness, while offering investors a strong signal about the future of tech production.

India’s room air conditioner (RAC) industry is grappling with mixed weather conditions and rising production costs as it heads into peak sales season. Although intermittent rainfall in southern regions has dampened sales in April, manufacturers remain optimistic, forecasting double-digit growth in the coming months. The industry is also responding to inflationary pressures, with many major players—such as Blue Star, Samsung, and Haier—implementing price hikes of up to 5%.

Mivi, a Hyderabad-based consumer electronics brand, is setting its sights on a monumental leap—from ₹300 crore in FY25 revenue to a projected ₹1,000 crore by FY26. This bold ambition is underpinned by a multifaceted strategy: entering new product categories, launching a state-of-the-art AI platform, expanding internationally, and investing in advanced manufacturing capabilities. With profitability from day one and a strong emphasis on innovation, Mivi is positioning itself as a formidable challenger to industry heavyweights like Boat and Noise.

BSH Home Appliances, a leading German home appliances manufacturer, has reported significant growth in the Indian market in 2024, driven by increasing consumer demand for premium built-in appliances and high-capacity solutions. The company plans to increase its localization efforts, aiming for up to 75% local production by the end of 2025. The dishwasher segment has been a standout performer, contributing notably to the company’s growth.

Omega Seiki Mobility, a prominent player in India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, has recently launched a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women drivers across the country. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the company is distributing 2,500 pink electric auto-rickshaws at subsidized rates, coupled with financial support and training. This socially-conscious move not only addresses gender parity in mobility but also enhances the company’s brand equity and strategic visibility in emerging markets.

Dixon Technologies, a leading electronics manufacturing services firm, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to set up a Rs 1,000-crore manufacturing facility in Oragadam, near Chennai. The new factory will focus on producing laptops and all-in-one personal computers, along with providing electronic manufacturing services to other companies. The facility is expected to create 5,000 new jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy.