BANGKOK: Courting the press from four Southeast Asian countries, LG Electronics recently held its ‘LG 2010 Health+ Evolution Press Tour’ here.
GOOD FOR HEALTH: Lee (left) and Bae pose with the Health+ Inverter AC unit.
The tour was intended to announce, to members of the press from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, the company’s vision, marketing strategies, technological upgrades and the unveiling of a new air conditioning unit.
At the press conference held at the Grand Millenium Hotel here, LG Electronics Air Conditioning Company (LGAC) revealed plans to increase its market share in Asia from 22 per cent in 2010 to 30 per cent by 2013.
“We will secure the number one position in Asia, overtaking competitors in 2011. In 2013, LGAC will lead the AC market in Asia with a 30 per cent market share,” said director of residential air conditioning (RAC) marketing team Jaesung Lee.
“The increase in market share will also include a jump in sales of the new Health+ Inverter air conditioning (AC) model from US$60 million to US$250 million over the same period. While the world face economic recession and many companies shrank their marketing promotions, we at LG intensified our marketing strategies to increase brand value,” he added.
In January, LGAC issued a statement in Seoul, Korea, that the company would undergo an organisation restructuring in efforts to achieve its target of US$10 billion in global sales target by 2013.
This restructuring was in line with the company’s aim to become and maintain its global leadership in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and energy solutions.
“It is hoped that the restructuring would strengthen the company’s focus in residential AC, commercial AC, home management systems, building management systems and solar cells,” added Lee.
Reflecting a shift toward longer and more health-conscious lives among customers, LGAC has focused its expertise and experience on designing products that help create a healthier living environment.
LGAC director of Asia Business Leader (RBL) team Bae Giyuen further revealed that the company would enhance its eco-friendly image by producing highly efficient products and phasing out more substances that did not meet environmental guidelines.
With that in mind, LGAC intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28 million tonnes by providing a range of highly efficient inverters targeting Korea, North America and European regions by 2013.
The company plans to increase the use of eco-friendly refrigerants (R-410A) from 10 per cent to approximately 55 per cent of its air conditioners by 2012.
In view of producing more environmentally friendly products, LGAC introduced the Health+ Inverter.
An extension of the Health+ range, Bae pointed out that the Health+ Inverter continued to bring customers products with its emphasis on three fundamental performance aspects under the 3S promise — Savings, Silent, Safe.
“With its stylish and contemporary design that promises to complement any home, the new LG Health+ Inverter delivers savings up to 60 per cent of energy consumption,” he added.
This was possible as the AC unit operates at only 670 watts — the lowest power input in Malaysia — making it an ideal choice for extended use in any home, while being environmentally friendly. It also boasts the industry’s highest Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 14.5.
“Consumers will find peace with this model as it is the quietest air conditioner available in the market at only 19 decibels, while others operate at a noisier 24 decibels. Reduced noise allows you to enjoy peace and quiet in your home, especially during precious hours of sleep,” he added.
As for the safe feature of the Health+ Inverter, the model was certified by the British Allergy Foundation and employs an advanced multi filter purifying system comprising of the Plasma filter, H1N1 filler, allergy filter, deodorisation filter and anti-bacteria filter.
In other words, the AC unit is capable of drastically reducing harmful bacteria, viruses, germs and odour in the air.
“According to tests conducted by the KITASATO Research Centre of Environmental Science in Japan, 99.9 per cent of H1N1 viruses were killed in 24 hours by LG Health+ Inverter’s allergy and virus safe filter,” Bae said.
The Health+ Inverter retails between RM1,399 and RM989 depending on its horsepower.
LGAC senior manager of RAC Asia and China group Roh Yunho and research and development (R&D) advisor Park Taebyoung were among those present during the press conference.
The LG 2010 Health+ Evolution Press Tour also included a tour of LG’s retail store in Bangkok and the company’s manufacturing plant located at the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong, some three hours from Bangkok and an hour from island resort Pattaya.
The industrial estate was also home to many international corporations’ production plants such as Tetra Pak, Isuzu, Kelloggs and GM.
A three-day/two-night stay in the Pattaya Amari Orchid Resort Hotel where members of the press were treated to sumptuous seafood meals and water activities followed the plant tour.
Life was indeed good with LG. For more information on LG products, those interested may contact LG customer hotline at 1-800-822-822 or visit www.lge.com.my and www.lgblog.com.my.