LG Electronics Inc., South Korea’s leading home appliances maker, said Monday it made a record investment of 4.76 trillion won ($3.3 billion) in research and development last year to foster future growth engines.
The company’s R&D investment marked an 11.2 percent increase from a year earlier in 2024 to hit the highest mark in its history, LG Electronics said in a regulatory filing.
The investment accounted for 5.4 percent of LG Electronics’ annual revenue of 87.7 trillion won in 2024, up from the corresponding tally of 5.1 percent the previous year.
The company said it made investments to bolster its competitiveness in future growth engines, including home appliance technologies backed by artificial intelligence and electronic devices for automobiles as well as heating, ventilating and air conditioning technologies.
The company added it plans to invest 4.3 trillion won in advancing the quality of its products and developing new models this year.
In detail, it plans to spend 1.16 trillion won on home appliances business and 936.9 billion won on automotive electronics business, while using 1.7 trillion won for R&D and infrastructure.
The regulatory report also showed LG Electronics possessed 26,566 domestic patents and 69,765 overseas patents as of December, with most of them related to technologies in smartphones, televisions and other major businesses of the company.
Last year, LG Electronics manufactured automotive electronics devices for a record 39.9 million vehicles, and generated all-time high sales of 1.67 trillion won in the home appliances rental business
Haier, Candy and Hoover – has closed its Nordic division
In future, sales of the brands will be handled by distributors and managed from Haier’s European headquarters in Italy. After sales will be managed from the customer center in Belgrade, Serbia.Candy and Hoover have been members of the Danish trade association since the 1970s and in recent years have operated the Nordic activities from Finland. Haier is no longer a member of APPLiA Denmark as of 1 January 2025.
Iran appliance industry
The secretary of Iran’s Home Appliance Industries Association said domestic production of home appliances is expected to reach 20 million units by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (late March). The significant increase in production.Iranian home appliances are shipped to neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Iraq, Russia, and Kazakhstan. However, high transportation costs and sanctions-related restrictions pose serious challenges to export growth.
LG and Samsung Shine as Top Refrigerator Brands in U.S. Market for 2025
South Korean tech leaders LG Electronics Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. have earned top accolades for their refrigerators in a recent evaluation by a prominent U.S. consumer magazine, according to industry sources.
Consumer Reports, known for its rigorous reviews, selected LG refrigerators as the “Best Refrigerators of 2025” in two distinct product categories. Meanwhile, in another refrigerator model category, Samsung secured the top spot, with LG closely following in second place.
These rankings were determined through comprehensive assessments of key features, including temperature control, uniformity, and energy efficiency. Additionally, feedback from customer surveys on hundreds of refrigerator models available in the U.S. market played a pivotal role in the evaluation.
South Korean brands, led by Samsung and LG, continue to dominate the U.S. refrigerator market, boasting a combined market share of nearly 50%. This strong presence underscores their reputation for innovation and quality.
It’s worth noting that LG and Samsung also earned top honors in the washer and dryer combo categories in a prior evaluation by the same magazine, further solidifying their standing as industry trailblazers.
Building Bridges: APPLiA and China’s SAMR Collaborate on Market Surveillance and Sustainability
In the lead-up to the annual International Roundtable of Household Appliance Manufacturer Associations (IRHMA), APPLiA’s Director General Paolo Falcioni recently engaged in discussions with China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) in Beijing. The meeting centered on the EU Market Surveillance Framework and its crucial role in promoting product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.
As global markets become increasingly interconnected, such dialogues are pivotal in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration on key regulatory issues. The discussion highlighted opportunities for both regions to address the challenges of globalization, with a particular focus on advancing sustainability and innovation.
The exchange also delved into strategies for enhancing market oversight, navigating the complexities of international trade, and bolstering competitiveness on a global scale.
Haier three tub washing machine
Haier has just dropped what it’s calling the “world’s first lazy washing machine” – the Leader Three-Tub Washing Machine (Model XQGL125-MBLDE697WU1). Available for pre-order now on JD.com, it’s priced at 4,999 yuan ($690). It is officially launching in China on April 17.standout feature here is its unique three-tub design, which lets you wash different types of clothes simultaneously. The main tub handles standard laundry, while two smaller, laundromat-style drums are meant for socks, shorts, and other small items. Haier says you can get through an entire load in just 22 minutes, a serious time-saver compared to traditional machinesThe smaller drums measure 216mm in diameter and each hold up to 1kg of laundry, but Haier hasn’t disclosed the exact size of the main drum. What we do know is that the entire unit is designed for maximum efficiency while saving space. It measures 600mm wide, 570mm deep, and 1070mm tall, making it easy to fit into tight laundry setups. Plus, it only requires a single power and water connection, so no extra installation headaches.
Beyond just speed and convenience, Haier is pushing hygiene and smart features with this washing machine. It includes medical-grade UV sterilization to kill bacteria, AI-powered controls for easier operation, and a Bra wash program that protects delicate fabrics. The AI dynamic balance technology helps keep vibrations and noise to a minimum, with a max spin speed of 1400 rpm to speed up drying
French consumers have voted Beko Brand of the Year
Elected Brand of the Year” title was initiated by the organizers of the “Elected Product of the Year” election. This distinction awarded by French consumers is based on an independent study to reward the best-rated brand in its category. Following a survey of 15,000 consumers, Beko was voted Brand of the Year 2025
Energy-efficient home appliances
Statement from APPLiA
Having access to energy-efficient home appliances is a fundamental right for every consumer!
Yet, only 25.5% of Europeans currently live in households with improved energy efficiency. This means millions are missing out on lower energy costs and a more sustainable lifestyle.
On World Consumer Rights Day, it’s essential to ensure that all households, especially low-income ones, can benefit from a just and fair transition. As highlighted in the EU’s Affordable Energy Action Plan, giving consumers access to more efficient appliances is key to making this happen.
We call on policymakers to build on this by encouraging investments in decarbonisation and providing meaningful incentives for consumers to enhance household efficiency.
Whirlpool Revolutionizes Electronic Waste Management in Brazil
Brazil, Whirlpool Corporation is the first appliance company to offer free home collection nationwide for electronic equipment waste of any brand, weighing more than 30 kg, including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and ranges, through its Take Back System.
Whirlpool works with Circulare, a platform that connects a circular economy ecosystem focused on electronic waste management. Whirlpool Corporation’s Take Back System helps address the challenge of 2.4 million tons of electronic waste generated annually in Brazil, fostering materials recycling and avoiding environmental impacts.
Introducing Gaggenau Beijing.
Situated in Beijing’s prime city centre, Gaggenau has unveiled its latest showroom – a space where tradition and innovation converge.Visit Gaggenau Beijing at SL4001, 4F, China World Mall, Beijing and schedule an appointment via +86 10 8535 1058.
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