KONE India has launched the KONE Villa 100, a compact and energy-efficient home elevator specifically designed for villas and low-rise residential buildings. The launch ceremony took place at KONE's India Supply Unit in Sriperumbudur, with Philippe Delorme, President and CEO of KONE Corporation, and Amit Gossain, Managing Director of KONE India and South Asia, leading the unveiling.

Strategic Market Position

Delorme emphasized India's critical role in KONE's global growth strategy, citing the country's scale, dynamism, and long-term opportunities. He highlighted that India remains one of the few markets globally where fresh construction continues at pace, alongside growing modernization opportunities as elevators installed two decades ago require upgrades.

Product Features and Technology

The KONE Villa 100 incorporates advanced technology designed for modern homes and low-rise developments. The elevator is powered by permanent magnet synchronous gearless technology with VVVF control, operating on a 220V single-phase power supply.

Key technical specifications include:

• Energy Efficiency: Consumes significantly less energy than conventional home elevators
• Power Consumption: Lower than a household refrigerator
• Smart Features: Automatic shutdown of cabin lighting and ventilation when not in use
• Construction Benefits: Requires very low pit depth and includes built-in shaft
• Civil Work Reduction: Minimizes construction requirements for homeowners

Company Performance and Market Growth

Gossain reported that KONE India has achieved sustained double-digit growth over the past four years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The residential segment has been the primary growth driver, accounting for approximately 60% of India's elevator market.

Market Strategy and Expansion

KONE currently holds around one-fourth of the Indian market by value and focuses on sustaining and gradually expanding this market share. The company's strategy centers on customer proximity, office expansion, and strengthening presence in tier 2 and tier 3 cities to improve service response times.

The launch of the Villa 100 completes KONE's product portfolio in India, addressing a segment previously dominated by local suppliers. The company expects meaningful growth in this segment as demand for independent homes and villas increases.

Future Outlook and Technology Integration

Delorme identified India as one of KONE's most strategic markets globally, alongside the US, offering a rare combination of new construction and modernization opportunities. He noted that while residential demand remains strong due to housing shortfall, growth in housing leads to higher demand for offices, retail spaces, and related infrastructure.

The executives highlighted technology as a major transformation driver, with AI increasingly used to improve elevator servicing and maintenance. KONE has positioned itself at the forefront of digital and 24x7 service solutions, placing strong focus on modernization opportunities in India.

Regarding corporate structure, Gossain confirmed that KONE India remains a wholly-owned subsidiary of KONE Corporation, with no plans for an India listing. The company maintains its Finland listing to access global capital, technology, and expertise.