Hisense Europe and MediaMarktSaturn

Hisense Europe and MediaMarktSaturn: a strategic partnership is born that will change the rules of European retail tech. A new strategic alliance between Hisense Europe and MediaMarktSaturn Retail Group promises to redefine the consumer electronics retail landscape in Europe. The collaboration, announced today, will start in Germany and then extend to all 11 countries where MediaMarktSaturn is present. 🎯 Key objectives of the partnership: Sustainable and targeted expansion in European markets Operational optimization with rapid resolution of critical issues Comprehensive media strategies for a stronger consumer impact 👥 Leading the implementation will be key figures such as Alexander Rauchut (Chief Commercial Officer and CEO of MediaMarktSaturn Germany), Alpay GĂĽner (VP Partner & Supplier Management), Louis Hou (Board Member Hisense Europe) and SĂĽhel Semerci (EVP Hisense Gorenje Germany). đź’¬ “This partnership represents a milestone in our international growth strategy. It demonstrates what is possible when two strong partners work together as equals, with a clear vision and shared ambition,” said Hanson Han, President of Hisense Europe. 📌 Important note: The agreement is not directly related to JD.com ‘s takeover bid for MediaMarktSaturn, although it moves in the same strategic direction of consolidation and global synergy. It marks a turning point in European retail tech. It strengthens Hisense’s presence in B2C and B2B channels. It strengthens MediaMarktSaturn’s ability to offer integrated and scalable solutions. 📣 Follow our newspaper for exclusive updates on B2B tech, AI applied to retail, and global market strategies While the agreement is not directly tied to JD.com’s takeover bid for MediaMarktSaturn, it aligns with broader trends of global consolidation and synergistic growth. This move:

– Strengthens Hisense’s footprint in both B2C and B2B channels 
– Enhances MediaMarktSaturn’s capabilities to deliver integrated, scalable retail solutions

Chinese Appliance Makers Turn Up the Heat in Brazil’s White Goods Market

Chinese brands like Midea and Hisense are expanding in Brazil’s home appliance sector, targeting gaps in air conditioners and washer-dryer ownership. They’re also competing on value and innovation in mature categories like refrigerators.
Competitive Momentum
Electrolux faces growing pressure from Chinese rivals amid economic challenges. With most purchases driven by product failure or upgrades, affordable innovation is reshaping consumer choices.
Midea’s Investment

In 2024, Midea Carrier invested R$630 million in a new factory, boosting white goods to 35% of revenue. Kitchen appliances are set to match air conditioners in importance.
Local Edge
Domestic production offers Chinese brands cost efficiency and tax perks—especially in zones like Manaus—strengthening their market position.

China’s Home Appliance Giants: Global Expansion & Market Dominance

Chinese home appliance giants like Midea, Haier, and Hisense have spent years acquiring international brands to expand globally. Previously, they kept their original brands domestic, but since the pandemic, they’ve embraced a more visible global presence—Hisense and Haier even sponsor major sporting events.

Many leading brands now belong to Chinese corporations, including Toshiba, Sanyo, Candy, and GE Appliances. This strategy has propelled them to industry dominance—Hisense and TCL rank among the top three global TV brands, and Haier leads in total revenue.

Younger consumers prioritize quality over brand reputation, boosting trust in Chinese products. However, managing multiple brands brings challenges—Hisense and Haier’s premium positioning may eventually lead to internal pricing competition.

Midea and Hisense Forge Strategic Partnership for AI and Smart Manufacturing

Chinese home appliance giants Midea Group and Hisense Group have joined forces in a strategic partnership, paving the way for collaboration across multiple fields, including artificial intelligence applications, global advanced manufacturing, and smart logistics. 

Leveraging their strengths in digitalization, both companies will work extensively on AI application platforms, focusing on the integration of AI agents in sectors like manufacturing and logistics. The partnership also extends to key initiatives such as green factories, industrial internet advancements, and global production capacity optimization. 

In the realm of smart logistics, Midea and Hisense aim to upgrade and enhance platforms by improving the synergy between production and logistics, refining intelligent warehousing systems, and boosting supply chain efficiency—all to streamline inventory management and optimize operations. 

The Rise of Multi-Drum Washing Machines: A New Era of Smart Laundry Solutions

The washing machine market has seen a surge in innovation, with leading brands rolling out multi-drum solutions to meet evolving consumer demands. The call for an “all-in-one lazy washing machine” that effortlessly handles underwear, socks, shoes, and clothes has spurred companies into action, with groundbreaking designs showcased at AWE2025.

Haier has led the charge with its newly launched three-drum lazy washing machine, officially delivered to customers in its first batch. According to JD platform data, the product has already surpassed 20,000 sales, with over 29,000 reservations placed for upcoming releases. Not far behind, Midea has introduced the Xiaowumei 3.0 washing machine, featuring a modular stacking system that allows users to expand from two to three, five, or even seven drums. This model achieved more than 10,000 sales within just 28 hours of its debut on JD.

Hisense, another key player in this emerging trend, unveiled its Marshmallow Ultra Family Drum—an innovative three-drum modular washing machine designed for flexibility. Current reservation figures indicate sales exceeding 20,000 units. With top brands racing to deliver advanced double- and triple-drum washing machines, could this category be the next big wave in the industry?

Haier’s approach focuses on maximizing capacity within a single machine, slightly taller than standard models yet compact enough to accommodate three drums. The largest drum is dedicated to everyday laundry, while the two smaller ones are ideal for delicate items such as socks, underwear, or baby clothes. Meanwhile, Midea and Hisense have opted for a modular, split-design system that enables multi-zone washing. Their models maintain a standard width, integrating dual-drum mini washers within a single unit. The Hisense Marshmallow Ultra Family Drum even offers a detachable three-drum setup, though individual drum purchases are currently unavailable. Additionally, their stackable configuration supports washing and drying functions, allowing users to build upwards to create a five- or seven-drum system.

With these pioneering designs redefining the traditional washing machine, the industry may soon embrace multi-zone washing as the new standard for convenience and efficiency.

Hisense research centre

Hisense officially opens the new EU Home Appliances Research Center of HVAC in Milan! Hisense has opened its “EU Home Appliances Research Center of HVAC” (HARC), a center dedicated to the research, design and innovation of HVAC solutions for the European market. Located within Hisense’s offices in Milan, the center covers an area of 500 square meters and represents a key strategic step to strengthen Hisense’s global presence.

Hisense AI fridge freezer

Hisense introduces the BCD-780W refrigerator, featuring ConnectLife and a 21-inch TFT display that offers intuitive control and a stunning visual experience. Its AI functions include food inventory management, expiration reminders, recipe recommendations and voice control. It also suggests personalized recipes based on available ingredients and the user’s health profile. The vacuum drawer keeps meat fresh for up to five days while ensuring a 99.99% bacteria-free environment. The VersaTemp+ drawer allows flexible temperature control, perfect for wines and beverages. With its modern design and advanced technology, the BCD-780W redefines contemporary refrigeration.

Hisense AI washer dryer

Hisense’s Washer-Dryer 7S series brings AI to the laundry room, seamlessly integrating with the ConnectLife app for remote monitoring and control. Featuring a 6.86-inch TFT display, sleek design meets cutting-edge technology. AI Super Wash optimizes washing settings based on fabric type, water level and temperature, while AI Super Dry adjusts drying based on humidity. With an EU A-20% energy rating, the 7S series delivers efficiency and savings. Plus, a quick one-hour wash and dry cycle (*1kg standard load) provides a compact and convenient solution for everyday life.

Hisense AI Innovation at CES 2025

Hisense elevates smart homes with ConnectLife’s new expanded functionality. Integrating with Google Home, ConnectLife controls all your smart devices, from Hisense appliances to Matter-certified thermostats, all in one app. It provides a 3D view for real-time monitoring, personalized automation, and one-touch energy saving with the AI Eco mode. ConnectLife’s suite of AI features, including Dish Designer, AI Food Recognition and AI Meal Planner, simplifies meal planning, creates personalized shopping lists, and even guides your cooking prowess.

Revolutionise the Laundry Room with Hisense Washer-Dryer Series 7S

The Hisense Washer-Dryer 7S series brings AI to the laundry room, offering seamless integration with the ConnectLife app for remote monitoring and control. Featuring a 6.86-inch TFT touchscreen, the washer-dryer combines sleek design with cutting-edge technology. AI Super Wash optimizes washing parameters based on fabric type, water level, and temperature, while AI Super Dry ensures perfect drying by adapting to humidity levels. Designed for energy efficiency with an EU A-20% rating, the 7S series saves both energy and costs. Additionally, its one-hour quick wash and dry cycle (*Standard 1kg load) provides a space-saving, time-saving solution for easeful modern living.

Transform the Kitchen with the BCD-780W Refrigerator

Hisense introduces the innovative ConnectLife-enabled BCD-780W Refrigerator with 21-inch TFT touchscreen, empowering users with intuitive control and stunning visuals. This advanced refrigerator offers a host of AI-powered features, including food inventory management, expiration reminders, recipe recommendations, voice control, and personalized recipe suggestions based on stored ingredients and user health profiles. Its vacuum-sealed drawer extends meat freshness up to five days while maintaining a 99.99% bacteria-free environment. The VersaTemp+ drawer offers flexible temperature control, ideal for wines and beverages. The sleek design and advanced technology of the BCD-780W totally redefines modern refrigeration

Hisense job cut rumours

According to Chinese media outlet Lanjinger News, several individuals claiming to be Hisense employees have taken to social media to allege that Hisense Group is undergoing significant layoffs. Reports suggest that the company’s workforce is being reduced from 110,000 to 80,000, with an estimated layoff rate of 20 to 30 percent. One verified employee of Hisense Home Appliances mentioned that the layoffs would occur in two phases, before and after the Lunar New Year, with an overall reduction of 30 percent.

Lanjinger News contacted multiple Hisense employees, who confirmed awareness of the rumors but were unclear about the specific plans or scale. An employee from Qingdao Hisense Network Technology Co. noted that many employees had already been informed. Another employee suggested that online reports might be exaggerated and that the actual number of layoffs could be lower, although demand and orders this year were significantly weaker compared to previous years.

When Lanjinger News reached out to Hisense Home Appliances Group and Hisense Visual Technology as investors, a representative from Hisense Home Appliances indicated that large-scale layoffs were unlikely but not yet confirmed, advising investors to make their own judgments while noting that the circulating information was inaccurate. A representative from Hisense Visual Technology stated that no related notices had been received.

Attempts to verify the information with Hisense Group’s public relations department went unanswered at the time of publication.

The report also recalled similar rumors from early 2020, when Hisense faced allegations of a large-scale layoff involving 10,000 employees. At that time, the company acknowledged workforce reductions as part of a performance optimization strategy but denied the scale of the layoffs being as high as reported.