Xiaomi Expands Globally with Smart Mijia Home Appliances

Posted on by

Xiaomi has officially rolled out its Mijia home appliance lineup to international markets, bringing smart living to more households around the world. The collection includes a high-capacity refrigerator, a versatile washer-dryer, and a sleek line of air conditioners—all seamlessly integrated into Xiaomi’s intelligent ecosystem: Human x Car x Home. With centralized control via the Xiaomi Home app, users can manage their appliances effortlessly from anywhere.

🧊 Mijia Cross Door 502L Refrigerator: Smart Cooling for Modern Families

At the heart of the kitchen offering is the Mijia Cross Door 502L, a spacious 502-liter refrigerator designed for families who need flexible and efficient food storage. Key features include:

  • Multi-zone temperature control for customized cooling
  • iFresh zone with adjustable settings from -1°C to 5°C
  • Super Cool & Super Freeze modes to meet diverse storage needs
  • Ag⁺ freshness tech to combat odors and bacteria
  • 90° door opening for wall-adjacent installation
  • Smart alerts via the Xiaomi Home app if the door remains open for over two minutes
  • Dual inverter system for quiet operation and energy savings
  • Built-in Wi-Fi for remote temperature management

🧺 More Than Just Cooling: Washer-Dryer & Air Conditioning

The Mijia lineup also includes the Mijia Pro 9 kg front-loading washer-dryer, ideal for efficient laundry care, and a range of air conditioners designed to deliver comfort with smart control and energy efficiency.

With this international launch, Xiaomi continues to redefine smart living—making everyday tasks simpler, cleaner, and more connected.

Groupe Brandt Seeks Strategic Lifeline Amid Market Turbulence

Posted on by

The European home appliance sector is once again facing tough headwinds, and this time, the storm has reached one of France’s last-standing giants. Groupe Brandt, a century-old manufacturer and a key player in the French appliance landscape, has entered creditor protection in a bid to stabilize its finances and attract a strategic investor.

🏛️ Court-Approved Restructuring
On October 1, the Nanterre Economic Court granted Brandt’s request for protection, enabling the company to freeze its debts and continue operations while actively seeking a financial partner. Owned by Algeria’s Cevital Group since 2014, Brandt’s leadership views this move not as a retreat, but as a strategic reset—an opportunity to accelerate talks with potential investors.

Production at Brandt’s facilities in Orléans and Vendôme remains uninterrupted, and local distributor Elmax Store reports no immediate impact on its operations.

🧩 Who Might Step In?
Brandt’s portfolio includes not just its namesake brand, but also De Dietrich, Sauter, and Vedette—making it a valuable acquisition target. With 750 employees across France and a service hub near Paris, the company is far from marginal. CEO Daniele Degli Emili has already reached out to business partners, assuring them that several “serious and well-negotiated” investor options are on the table.

🌍 A Broader Industry Reckoning
Brandt’s situation reflects a deeper crisis among Europe’s traditional appliance manufacturers. Market consolidation is no longer a possibility—it’s a necessity. Chinese conglomerates have been steadily acquiring European brands: Hisense took over Gorenje in 2018, Haier absorbed Candy Hoover in 2019, and Midea snapped up Teka earlier this year. Midea even held talks with Electrolux in 2023, though no deal materialized.

📉 Electrolux and the Financial Squeeze
Even Electrolux, long considered a pillar of European manufacturing, has felt the strain. Despite returning to profitability in 2025 after a sweeping restructuring, the Swedish company reported a negative operating cash flow of $405 million in H1, pushing net debt to nearly $3 billion. Analysts now anticipate a capital injection of at least $1.79 billion via a share issue, and S&P Global Ratings has downgraded its credit score to BBB-, teetering just above speculative grade.

🚨 Industry Survival at Stake
The pressure from Asian—particularly Chinese—competitors is mounting. With only a handful of independent European manufacturers left, the industry’s future looks precarious. In a rare show of unity, several appliance makers have issued an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warning that the very survival of Europe’s home appliance sector is in jeopardy.

Whirlpool Under Pressure: Q2 Earnings Miss and Mounting Market Challenges

Posted on by

Whirlpool Corporation  is navigating turbulent waters as it faces mounting financial and operational headwinds. The appliance giant’s Q2 2025 earnings fell short of analyst expectations, driven by continued weakness in North American demand and profit margins hovering near decade-long lows—despite aggressive cost-cutting measures.

The company’s strategic pivot toward innovation and premium product offerings has yet to counterbalance growing affordability concerns and broader cyclical risks. Rising debt levels and a strained balance sheet have further intensified investor caution, prompting a recent ‘sell’ rating from market analysts.

While Whirlpool remains committed to long-term transformation, the current economic climate poses significant hurdles. For industry watchers and stakeholders, the coming quarters will be critical in assessing whether the brand can regain momentum or if deeper structural shifts are needed.

Kärcher Pushes Boundaries with Smart Cleaning Tech

Posted on by

Kärcher is redefining home cleaning with a wave of robotics and smart appliances.

🪟 Window Robots: RCW 2 & RCW 4
Launching in late 2025, these glass-cleaning robots tackle bay windows and tricky corners. 
– RCW 2: Oval design for smooth mobility 
– RCW 4: Square shape with 4 sensors for precision corner cleaning 
Both models use suction and dual safety cables for secure operation.

🧹 Floor Robots: Tailored for Every Task
– RVF 7: Vacuums and scrubs with rollers 
– RVM 4: Uses pads for gentle cleaning 
– RVC 3: Traditional vacuuming with auto-emptying

🚀 Stick Vacuums: Smarter, Lighter
– VCS 3 Nano Complete: Dirt sensor adjusts suction automatically 
– 2026 Models: USB-C charging, digital modes, foldable design, full accessories

💧 FCV Series: 3-in-1 Power
The FCV 3 and FCV 4 combine vacuuming, washing, and drying with multiple cleaning modes—designed to simplify daily routines without sacrificing performance.

Kärcher’s innovation strategy, backed by influencer campaigns and digital activations, keeps it ahead in a fast-evolving market.

Xiaomi Expands Globally with Smart Mijia Appliances

Posted on by

Xiaomi is stepping boldly into the international home appliance market with the global rollout of its Mijia product line—featuring a smart refrigerator, washer-dryer, and air conditioner—all seamlessly integrated into its “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem. These devices are designed for centralized control via the Xiaomi Home app, offering users a unified smart living experience.

🧊 Mijia Cross Door 502L: Smart Cooling for Modern Kitchens
At the heart of Xiaomi’s kitchen offering is the Mijia Cross Door 502L refrigerator. With a generous 502-liter capacity and multiple independently adjustable temperature zones, it’s tailored for families needing flexible food storage. The iFresh zone allows precise temperature control between -1°C and 5°C, while Super Cool and Super Freeze functions adapt to varying storage needs.

Ag⁺ freshness technology helps neutralize odors and inhibit bacterial growth, and the 90-degree door design ensures easy access—even when placed near walls. Smart alerts via the Xiaomi Home app notify users if the door remains open for more than two minutes, helping prevent food spoilage. Dual inverter technology delivers quiet performance and energy efficiency, while built-in Wi-Fi enables remote temperature management.

🧺 More Smart Solutions: Washer-Dryer & Air Conditioning
The Mijia lineup also includes the Mijia Pro 9 kg front-loading washer-dryer and a series of air conditioners, all designed to integrate effortlessly into Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem. These additions reinforce the brand’s commitment to intelligent, connected living.

APPLiA Warns Against U.S. Tariffs on European Appliances

Posted on by

APPLiA – Home Appliance Europe has raised concerns over the U.S. expansion of Section 232 tariffs, now covering appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers. The 50% steel levy, intended to boost national security and domestic production, risks damaging transatlantic supply chains and raising consumer prices.

📉 A 2023 U.S. report showed that while metal output rose by $2.25B, downstream manufacturing fell by $3.48B. Previous appliance tariffs cost U.S. consumers $1.5B for just 1,800 jobs—over $800K per job.

📈 EU exports of major appliances to the U.S. grew 23% from 2018 to 2024, creating a trade surplus. APPLiA warns that global tariffs could divert goods to the EU, hurting local manufacturers.

🇪🇺 APPLiA urges the European Commission to oppose these tariffs, defend EU industry, and promote fair, rules-based trade rooted in WTO principles.

Meet the Blueair Sleep Collection

Posted on by

Imagine waking up refreshed, breathing cleaner air, and feeling truly restored. The new Blueair Sleep Collection isn’t just about better air—it’s about transforming your entire sleep experience.

🌅 Mini Restful™ Sunrise Air Purifier Clock
Say goodbye to groggy mornings. This compact powerhouse purifies your air while you sleep and gently wakes you with a simulated sunrise. It’s the perfect blend of wellness and smart design.

💧 DreamWell™ Humidifier
Hydration meets serenity. The DreamWell™ delivers quiet, consistent moisture plus optional aromatherapy—ideal for calming your senses and balancing your environment.

Big moves at Beko: Balcıoğlu takes global strategy reins, Garzanli stays CEO of Beko Europe

Posted on by

Effective October 1, 2025, Mehmet Ragip Balcıoğlu has stepped into the role of Deputy General Manager of Global Marketing and Strategy. Formerly Deputy General Manager of European Commercial Sales and CEO of Beko Europe, Balcıoğlu brings a wealth of experience in international sales, commercial operations, and brand marketing. In his new position, he will spearhead the development of our global brand strategy and oversee the management of our diverse portfolio of 22 brands worldwide.

Meanwhile, Akin Garzanli—who has successfully led global marketing initiatives as Chief Marketing Officer for the past three years—will continue to serve as Deputy General Manager of European Commercial Sales and CEO of Beko Europe, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment across key markets.

This leadership evolution marks a significant step in strengthening our global presence and driving long-term brand growth.

Gorenje Earns Platinum EcoVadis Award, Cementing Hisense Europe’s Sustainability Leadership

Posted on by

In a landmark achievement for 2025, Hisense Europe—through its Gorenje brand—has secured the highest possible rating in the annual EcoVadis sustainability assessment, earning the prestigious Platinum award. This recognition places Gorenje in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies evaluated globally, underscoring its position as a trailblazer in responsible and sustainable business practices.

🏆 What the Platinum Rating Means

EcoVadis is one of the world’s most trusted platforms for rating corporate sustainability, assessing companies across four key pillars: 
– Environmental impact 
– Labor and human rights 
– Ethics 
– Sustainable procurement

Gorenje’s Platinum status signals exceptional performance across all categories, reflecting not just compliance but leadership in embedding sustainability into every layer of its operations.

🔧 Sustainability as Strategy, Not Slogan

This milestone isn’t just a badge—it’s a testament to Hisense Europe’s long-term commitment to sustainability as a strategic imperative. From energy-efficient appliance design to ethical supply chain management, Gorenje continues to push the boundaries of what responsible manufacturing looks like in the whitegoods sector.

🌱 Why It Matters for the Industry

As consumers and regulators demand greater transparency and accountability, recognitions like EcoVadis Platinum are more than accolades—they’re indicators of future readiness. Gorenje’s achievement sets a benchmark for appliance manufacturers worldwide, proving that innovation and sustainability can—and must—go hand in hand.

📣 Final Thoughts

At WhitegoodsNow, we celebrate brands that don’t just follow trends but lead with purpose. Gorenje’s Platinum rating is a powerful reminder that sustainability isn’t a checkbox—it’s a competitive advant

Europe’s Laundry Habits Are Getting Smarter — and Faster

Posted on by

Across Europe, laundry routines are evolving. A remarkable 58% of wash cycles now finish in under 90 minutes, with one in three wrapping up in less than an hour. And here’s the bonus: lower temperatures are becoming the norm — a win for both your wardrobe and energy savings.

⏰ Morning Loads Lead the Way

When do most people hit ‘start’ on the washing machine? Before noon. In fact, 54% of the 15,000 Europeans we surveyed prefer to do laundry in the morning. It’s no surprise — with hybrid work schedules and jam-packed mornings, speed and efficiency are more essential than ever.

✨ Quick Doesn’t Mean Compromise

Think fast cycles mean sacrificing cleanliness? Think again. Electrolux’s UltraQuick 49-minute program uses smart pre-mixing technology to deliver top-tier stain removal — all in under an hour at just 30°C.*

📊 Want More Insights?

Dive deeper into the data and discover how laundry habits are shifting across the continent in the full Truth About Laundry Report.

https://admin.betterlivingprogram.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Truth-About-Laundry-2025.pdf