Boosted by impressive first quarter sales in its home appliance segment, LG Electronics has said that it will continue to enhance consumer lifestyles with the introduction of its 2008 portfolio of digital appliances – underlining energy efficiency, environmental consciousness and design in all its new product innovation.
From washing machines to residential and commercial air conditioners, refrigerators, cooking appliances and vacuum cleaners, LG’s latest range features not only the industry’s most advanced technologies but also stylish designs.
“LG is committed to serving every individual customer by offering brand-new experiences with our innovative and dependable products,” said Mr. K. W. Kim, CEO of LG Electronics Middle East and Africa Regional Company. “To do this, we are introducing home appliances with original and convergent technologies that also feature industry-leading designs. Additionally, LG’s energy-saving products are environment-friendly.”
Last year, LG showed its leadership in the global appliance market by combining cutting-edge technology with an emphasis on artistic design and visual aesthetics. The industry took notice, as evidenced by the numerous design awards LG received, including the prestigious red dot Design Award, iF Design Award, Good Design Award and CES Innovations Award.
For the first quarter of this year, sales of LG Digital Appliance Company increased 3.6 per cent to USD 3.191 billion on year and operating margin resulted in 4.7 per cent. Regions such as Korea, Asia, Europe and Middle East played a key role in the overall increase in sales.
LG’s 2008 air conditioners are armed with innovative technologies and health-conscious features focused on maintaining a clean home environment using LG’s Neo Plasma Air Purifying System and Ion Generator. LG’s inverter technology controls and varies compressor speed to maintain stable indoor temperatures, allowing for more pleasant cooling and heating.
The Neo Plasma Air Purifying System in LG air-conditioners not only removes microscopic contaminants and dust, but also house mites, pollen and pet fur from the air to help allergy and asthma sufferers. The Ion Generator neutralises and eliminates hazardous substances floating in the air, while the Auto Clean and Smart Clean features are designed to automatically clean the air conditioners so that they operate at maximum cleanliness and efficiency.
LG is witnessing an increasing demand for its sophisticated air purifiers in the home and office segments in the Middle East and Africa. Offering one-touch filter change and a 16 db quiet operation, LG air purifiers can effectively maintain a healthy home and office environment. The Platinum series features a unique digital sensor that can detect dust and odour.
LG’s latest refrigerator line-up offers more freshness and longer storage capabilities with Vitalight, a feature that uses interior LED lights that induce photosynthesis in vegetables. To keep food fresh longer, LG also developed a unique air circulation method which flows from the front of the unit by circulating it through the door.
This innovative feature means the refrigerator can cool food faster than conventional models, while creating a consistent interior climate. In addition, its ion door cooling system generates negative ions that kill food-spoiling bacteria and fungi, helping preserve taste and freshness longer than in other refrigerators.
In the washing machines segment, LG’s innovative Steam Technology, available in front-loading washing machine, takes the stress out of laundry, along with dirt, allergens and wrinkles while consuming less energy and water. LG’s unique Steam Technology removes allergens and kills germs that might cause allergy-related illnesses. LG’s new steam washer uses 21 percent less energy than other machines and is one of the least water consuming.
LG’s new vacuum cleaners have more power for 2008. With a more advanced Dust Compression System and larger dust bin, LG allows consumers not only to perform more vacuuming without stopping to empty the dust bin, but also to keep dust from escaping back into the air when emptying the dust bin.
With its light-speed cooking prowess, LG’s light-wave oven for 2008 offers three times faster cooking compared to conventional ovens, saving consumers from having to preheat the oven. Combining a traditional oven with grill and microwave functions; this oven also enables consumers to prepare meals almost instantly in a single unit.
LG is also a leader in the home network industry due to its development of HomNet, an intelligent home appliance networking system that connects all home appliances, enabling easy access and exchange of information via internet, HomNet Server, TV and mobile phone. People can control their home network either while at home or on the move. As a result, heating, cooling, ventilation, appliances, entertainment and security systems can all operate automatically by computer, mobile phone or touchpad device.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. is the global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 82,000 people working in over 120 operations including 80 subsidiaries around the world. Comprising four business units – Mobile Communications, Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Digital Media with 2006 global sales of USD 38.6 billion – LG Electronics is the world’s leading producer of CDMA handsets, air conditioners, optical storage devices, DVD players and home theatre systems.
LG Electronics Digital Appliance Company (DAC) is a technology leader and pioneer in home appliance convergence. LG DAC provides a total package of digital products for the home, including air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, cooking appliances and vacuum cleaners. LG is driving innovation in home appliance technology through products such as the world's first interactive refrigerator and the steam washing machine. LG DAC is building new growth opportunities in built-in kitchen appliances, commercial air conditioners and networked home appliances.
Notable Features and Benefits of LG Home Appliances for 2008
Product
Category Features Benefits
Washing Machine Steam Allergy Care
Steam Refresh
Direct Drive
Bigger Capacity Prevents allergy-related illness using steam technology
Removes wrinkles and odors with ease quickly
Better durability and performance
Energy and water saving
Larger and fewer loads
Refrigerator Sleek Design
Full Drawer Freezer
VitaLight
Indoor Ice Maker Perfect styling
Convenient storage and no odors
Freshness
Convenience and better use of freezer space
Air Conditioner Inverter Technology
Stylish Front Panels
4-way air control Pleasant cooling and heating
Energy saving and less noise
Home interior
Usage for commercial buildings
Vacuum Cleaner Dust Compression System and larger dust bin Hygienic cleaning (no dust clouds)
More dust storing capability
Cooking Appliance Light Speed Cooking
Larger Internal Space
Oven with Grill and Microwave Functions Four times cook faster than conventional ovens
Larger cooking space than conventional ovens
Convenience
Ta'aheel to highlight new trends in packaging at 2nd Arab Beverages Forum
Health and environmental concerns affect consumer attitude towards packaging design and practices
May 25th, 2008
Ta'aheel, the region's premier events management company and consultant for the beverage industry, has announced that packaging trends and innovations will be among the highlights of the 2nd Arab Beverages Forum, being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from June 15 to 16, 2008 and sponsored by Tetra Pak manufacturing, food processing and packaging solutions. Ta'aheel revealed that packaging has become a major factor in shaping consumer preferences and in controlling overheads, compelling several beverage firms to invest substantially in new packaging technologies.
Ta'aheel also announced that it has prepared comprehensive presentations derived from international case studies as well as several regional studies on various subjects concerning the industry, including new tools and techniques that have helped successful firms in the regional markets. The Forum has also been designed to be a powerful platform for peer networking and high-level exchange of best practices.
"Trends in packaging design in the Arab beverage market have evolved quite rapidly in recent years, largely because of emerging requirements by consumers and the greater society. Among the biggest concerns that have affected the consumer's attitude towards packaging are health and the environment," said Sharaf Dabbagh, President, Ta'aheel.
"Beverage consumers have now become very particular with their health because of massive awareness campaigns. They are not just looking closely at what they are drinking; they are just as concerned with how their favourite drink is packed and processed. Moreover, beverage firms are realising the immense practical value of adopting eco-friendly technologies and equipment, which has subsequently helped promote recyclable packing materials," added Dabbagh.
One of the strong signs of the gradual shift in packaging practices has been the recent announcement by several UAE supermarkets to use eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags, such as biodegradable plastic bags. In addition to health and environmental concerns, Ta'aheel also revealed that packages using less material are now growing in numbers in the marketplace, which demonstrates the economic advantages of innovative, econ-friendly packaging.
The Arab Beverages Forum 2008 has been reputed as the pioneering forum dedicated to the Arab beverage industry. Drawing momentum from the success of the inaugural event, this year's Forum is looking forward to surpass the achievements of the 2007 edition particularly in terms of participation as Ta'aheel has confirmed several return participants on top of a growing list of new registrants.
Among the things that will be discussed at the Forum are latest market trends, strategies and best practices, and a number of critical issues that affect suppliers, retailers, creative marketers, managers and consumers in the beverage industry. The Forum also offers an in-depth market perspective from a combined knowledge base, which is otherwise unavailable elsewhere.
