Mitsubishi Electric upbeat on rebound of air-con sales 

Managing director Yasushi Moriyama said that the company's business operation policy and plan for the 2018 fiscal year would be deployed under a proactive strategic approach. The company is committed to the development of “unique, innovative products with modern technology, energy saving and environmental friendly features in accordance with its Changes for the Better” corporate statement. 
Moriyama said that the major cause of the slump in the value of the air conditioner market last year was the broadly cooler weather, and the rainfall was heavier than usual. 
“We expect this year the market will be better and are projecting an increase in market share to 40 per cent, up from 30 per cent currently,” he said.
“The challenge today is to serve the requirements of demanding customers. Our strategies are to always focus on the quality of our products and services and also to come out with innovative products to serve customers' requirements. That's why we always think about customers’ needs.”
He said that the company's business plan is in line with Mitsubishi Electric Japan’s target of consolidated global sales of 5 trillion yen (Bt1.4 trillion) in 2020, when the group celebrates its 100th anniversary. 
“As for Thailand, we will focus mainly on growth strategy in the home appliances market as we still see Thailand becoming an Asian hub with continuous growth,” Moriyama |said.
He said that the home appliance market in 2018 is forecast to improve, due to positive economic factors including expected growth in gross domestic product of more than 4 per cent, the government’s measures to boost economy and attract more private investment, as well as increases in the consumer confidence index. 
Praphon Potivorakun, deputy managing director, said total sales of air conditioners in 2017 dropped by 10 per cent from the year before.
“We expected that our sales for the 2017 fiscal year, to be concluded on March 31, will be in accordance with our target of over Bt13.5 billion. We will drive our sales in the 2018 fiscal year to reach a target of over Bt14.5 billion," Praphon.
“For our project and business sector customers, we have opened four branches of our Mitsubishi Electric City Multi Customer Support Office – in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chon Buri and Udon Thani – and in 2018, we aim to open two more branches in Hat Yai and in another province in the northeastern part of Thailand.”