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India washing machine launched with 'curry' button India washing machine launched with 'curry' button
(35 minutes later)
A washing machine has been launched for the Indian market, with a special mode to tackle curry stains.A washing machine has been launched for the Indian market, with a special mode to tackle curry stains.
Panasonic said the introduction of a 'curry' button followed complaints from customers struggling to fully get the food off their clothes, Panasonic said the introduction of a 'curry' button followed complaints from customers struggling to fully get the food off their clothes.
It says development took two years, testing combinations of water temperature and water flow.It says development took two years, testing combinations of water temperature and water flow.
The machine has five other cycles aimed at the Indian market, including one to remove traces of hair oil. The machine has five other cycles aimed at the Indian consumer, including one to remove traces of hair oil.
Wringing the changes
As part of the development, Panasonic researchers analysed what went into a typical Indian household's curry dish.As part of the development, Panasonic researchers analysed what went into a typical Indian household's curry dish.
The firm said it then tried to establish the optimal time and water temperature required to remove the stains.
Panasonic said it planned similar machines for other Asian markets, tackling stains specific to those countries, but would not elaborate.Panasonic said it planned similar machines for other Asian markets, tackling stains specific to those countries, but would not elaborate.
Wringing the changes Only about 10% of homes in India have a washing machine, with most people still doing their laundry by hand.
The firm told the BBC that about 5,000 of the machines have been sold so far, with a target to sell at least 30,000 by March next year. That means there is plenty of room for market growth, and the electronics giant hopes the India-focussed machine will help it challenge the South Korean manufacturers dominating the sector.
Priced at about 22,000 Indian rupees (£268;$330), the new model costs about 10% more than other washing machines. Panasonic told the BBC that about 5,000 of the machines had been sold so far, with a target to sell at least 30,000 by March next year.
Industry research shows only about 10% of homes in India have a washing machine, with most still doing their laundry by hand. Priced at about 22,000 Indian rupees (£268;$330), the new model costs around 10% more than other washing machines.
Panasonic entered the India market in 1990, first producing rice cookers and then expanding its line to also manufacture air conditioners.Panasonic entered the India market in 1990, first producing rice cookers and then expanding its line to also manufacture air conditioners.
In December last year, the company announced it would set up a factory in the North Indian state of Haryana making refrigerators.In December last year, the company announced it would set up a factory in the North Indian state of Haryana making refrigerators.
The Japanese firm has associated itself with other headline-grabbing products.The Japanese firm has associated itself with other headline-grabbing products.
Last year it invested $60m (£49m) in Seven Dreamers, a Japanese start-up which is developing what it claims to be the world's first robot that folds laundry.Last year it invested $60m (£49m) in Seven Dreamers, a Japanese start-up which is developing what it claims to be the world's first robot that folds laundry.