G vs Samsung. Make that LG vs Samsung vs Hyundai. If that�s a little hard to believe, wait till the advertising blitz hits media in full-blown fashion. Hyundai Electronics India has an ad budget of Rs 54 crore to be spent between September 2004 and March 2005 to announce its entry into consumer durables. Over Rs 30 crore will find its way into television and print while the rest will be used for below-the-line. Saatchi & Saatchi is the creative agency.

While Hyundai in India is associated entirely with automobiles, worldwide, the consumer electronic division contributes around $7-8 billion to the group�s turnover of $27 billion. Hyundai Electronics will operate independent of Hyundai Motor India. A latecomer, the company�s path of entry is via the top-end. To begin with, it has launched flat colour television sets and plans to introduce plasma televisions, LCDs, DVDs, home theatres, airconditioners and microwave ovens. By March 2005, its product portfolio will be complete. It has invested Rs 35 crore in its Indian operations so far. ... more