Chinese car multimedia system maker plans JV with India

KOLKATA - CASKA, a car multimedia systems manufacturer owned by Coagent Electronics S and T Co of China, is negotiating with Indian car manufacturers for joint venture and also planning to set up a research and development (R and D) center either in Chennai or Bangalore by June, CASKA marketing director Kaiser Zhen said here Thursday.

CASKA Thursday launched its latest series of car multimedia system- CASKA E-Car in association with its Indian partner Auto Trendz. The company is planning joint venture with Indian car manufacturers for its latest hi-tech products and already negotiating with some of them.

"The demand for high-end car entertainment solutions is on the rise globally, including India. We plan to setup a R and D facility in the country to design our products as per the requirements of the Indian market," Zhen said.

The R and D center is likely to be set up in June in either of the south Indian metropolises.

Auto Trendz director, Neeraj Banka, the sole agent for the Guangdong-based Coagent Electronics, said: "We are already in the process of tying up with companies like General Motors (India), Hyundai India and Maruti for approving the CASKA range of products and are also in the process of developing our products as per the demands of the manufacturer."

The company targets to sell at least 20,000 units by December this year as it has 30 distributors and 300 dealers of its Indian partner.

Banka also said that the car infotainment industry is valued at 50 billion rupees ($1 billion)onwards and with this launch we aim to gather 20 percent market share in the organised segment in India by December end."