Google will start Pixel smartphone production in India, directing suppliers to begin manufacturing in the country to diversify its supply chain
Google is looking to increase the production of Pixel smartphones in India. The Alphabet subsidiary has instructed its suppliers to commence production of its Pixel smartphones in the country as early as the next quarter, as the American tech giant is committed to diversifying its supply chain away from China and capitalizing on the growing smartphone market in India.
According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Google's supply chain strategy is integral to its ambitious goal of delivering over 10 million Pixel phones this year. This target comes after the company achieved shipments of approximately 10 million units in 2023, despite facing a global economic downturn.
In October of last year, Google had announced its plans to introduce Pixel smartphones manufactured in India, with the initial Indian-made model, the Google Pixel 8, scheduled for release in 2024. The announcement was made by Rick Osterloh, Google's Senior Vice President for Devices and Services, during the Google for India 2023 event.
As per sources cited in the report, Google is preparing to establish a factory in South India for the production of its flagship Pixel 8 Pro smartphone. The production is expected to start between April and June. Subsequently, the company intends to initiate manufacturing of the Pixel 8 model in North India later in the year.
Global companies are increasingly shifting their focus from China to India as a part of the 'China+1' strategy. Firms are looking to move their supply chains to India as the country is an emerging economy with a strong economic outlook.