On the occasion of Daikin’s 95th anniversary, Daikin Airconditioning India Pvt. Ltd. – a 100% subsidiary of Daikin Industries Ltd., Japan – has introduced an indigenously onceptualised and manufactured high-wall split AC in the Indian market, priced at INR 16,400 plus piping and installation charges and taxes. This price is valid till October 31. The GTL28 3-star non inverter AC is pitched as a game changer for the Indian AC industry, since it draws less than 3.5 ampere current – less than a hair dryer or microwave. With a cooling capacity of 9,500 BTU per hour, this AC can cool a room up to 100 square feet – a size that is common today in flats and offices. It does not need a voltage stabiliser. It is targeted at the emerging consumer segment – the aspiring common man. With widespread electrifi cation of India over the last few years, this model is expected to drive up AC penetration from the existing 7%.

K. J. Jawa, MD & CEO – Daikin India, Member of the Board and Regional General Manager, AC Business, India and East Africa – Daikin Industries Ltd., said at the launch, “At Daikin we had a Vision for a Make in India product that is designed to serve the needs of every Indian. With ACs now becoming a necessity, there was a need for a radical change in product and pricing in order to serve the new segment comprising the 93% unaddressed AC market. “The Daikin GTL28 AC will empower the growing Indian population to upgrade from coolers and older technologies without facing much impact of high electricity charges. The true Indian potential can only be realized with a single proposition for all, and at Daikin India we found that kernel of value in this pocketfriendly big-small AC.”