LG leads global air conditioner sales

LG has held the top spot in air conditioner manufacturing since 2000 with an average annual growth of 20 per cent.

According to leading Japanese market research consultancy Fuji-Keizai, LG sold approximately 10,500,000 units last year out of the total 60,420,000 units sold worldwide. LG air conditioners have consistently outperformed industry averages; sales volumes exceeded 10 million, despite the unprecedented pressures of high oil prices, the hike in raw materials prices and a cool summer in Europe and North America.

"Maintaining the top spot globally for six years in a row is a commendable feat. Eco-friendly features and colourful designs are popular with consumers and these are areas in in which LG has unrivalled leadership. We have maintained the number one position in more than 40 countries including important markets like USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Australia,"

said C H Lee, President, LG Electronics Gulf FZE.

LG air conditioners score on account of flexible, compact installation, quiet operation and low energy consumption. Lee also attributes LG's success to efficient use of overseas production bases, targeted region-specific marketing strategies, its adoption of the world's best core technologies and ownership of its core parts business.

From 2004, LG has been focusing on premium air conditioning products and plans to further strengthen its line-up of design-oriented, state-of-the-art ARTCOOL air conditioners.

LG has incorporated an eco-friendly tool in its air conditioners that bans the use of environmentally destructive heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. Its Multi Power System, which combines multiple compressors in a single air conditioning system, reduces energy consumption of the system by a maximum of 70 per cent compared to conventional air conditioners with one compressor. LG air conditioners also feature 'Neo Plasma Plus System' that removes microscopic contaminants and dust, as well as mites, pollen, pet fur and other allergens.

Responding to the growing demand for household appliances to blend with interior decor, LG's Art Cool picture series features a choice of popular images, including paintings by famous artists like Van Gogh and Sisley, and pictures of Mecca and writings from the Quran. LG's trend-setting design innovation will continue to lead the market in 2006, with the incorporation of a world-first feature - the replaceable front panel. Consumers can now freely change the design of the front panel of their air conditioners by inserting any painting, printed design or even a family picture inside the panel.

"LG is known for its innovative products that enhance consumers' lives. Our air conditioners are designed to combine quality and efficiency, for comfort in all seasons. Technology leadership coupled with pricing advantages created by volume manufacturing, have led us to make major strides in the regional AC sector," said Lee.

"We will continue to maintain our number one position by introducing new technologies and products to suit market demands. We will achieve this by staying ahead of the curve in terms of technological development and customer service," he added.