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2003

May 30 - Sanyo and Samsung to Collaborate

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. announced April 10 that they have agreed to collaborate in the joint development of household use air conditioners. This agreement will allow both companies to develop products that are strategically geared towards global sales with faster and more efficient product development and enhancement of product competitiveness.
Through this agreement both companies will look to strengthen global product competitiveness, improve development speed by efficiently utilizing both companies' R&D resources and introduce competitive products to overseas markets including Korea and Japan. Sanyo and Samsung top management during the press conference.

May 28 - Growth Market for Domestic Ventilation

According to the trade association VFW sales of domestic mechanical ventilation systems shot up by 24% in Germany in 2002 - a consequence of the energy regulations (EnEV) which are now in force. Although the regulations apply only to new buildings, sales to refurbishment projects have also surged. VFW say that the main reason for this is the fear of mould formation: the installation of new windows and doors - which are now built to a much higher standard of air tightness - will greatly reduce natural ventilation.
Apart from the market growth for fans and associated equipment, there will be a demand for air-to-air heat recovery units, filtration equipment and humidifiers.
Source: CCI, Germany

Heat pumps in demand
In spite of falling sales in boilers and solar collectors in Germany over the last two years, high growth rates have been sustained for heat pumps: 6000 units sold in 2000, 8000 units in 2001 and 10 000 in 2002.
Source: CCI, Germany

May 26 - Chigo Holds Worldwide Distributors Conference

Chigo held the Worldwide Distributors Conference splendidly on February 28, 2003 at Chigo Industry Park, by convening about 6,000 persons including representatives of trading houses in both China and abroad, officials from Guangdong Provincial Government, and pressmen. Obtaining favorable results from AC exports last year, the company tried to appeal to people concerned through the current Conference by stressing the company's capabilities and huge factories. The conference theme was "The Time of Wealth". Mr. Li Xinghao, Chairman of Chigo, delivered a speech on "The Wealth Time of Chigo".
"The Wealth Time of Chigo" was interpreted as Chigo's handing the "Golden Key for Wealth" to distributors. The company intends to set RAC sales goal at 1.5 million units, thereby becoming No. 3 in domestic sales and No. 1 in exports among Chinese AC makers.
Being the largest private enterprise in Chinese RAC industry, Chigo is protected by the Provincial Government as a model enterprise. The current Conference was attended by Mr. Zhang Dejiang and Mr. Ou Guangyuan, VIPs from Guangdong Provincial Government. Chigo is actively tying up with overseas majors such as Hyundai in Korea, and heading towards multilateral operations. Apart from RACs, yearly production of commercial ACs reached 100,000 units, the company announced.

May 22 - Mando to Diversify Its Business

WiniaMando Inc., which has been manufacturing kimchi refrigerators and ACs, has decided to develop diversified businesses after 4 years from its establishment. The company, revealing a plan says, "Judging that management cannot be continued without stable income earning structure, the company intends to develop 1~2 product items utilizing the present refrigeration and AC system, and launch mass production immediately after announcement of new products within the first half of this year."
New business items being considered by Mando include refrigerators with specific functions such as cosmetic, wine and blood refrigerators, and air purifiers. At present, their overall profitability is examined by taking account of R&D, physical distribution, marketing and other costs. Cosmetic refrigerators are produced by Samsung and 10 odd smaller makers at the price of 0.2 ~ 0.3 million won, while GE's noise- and vibration-free wine refrigerators priced at 4 ~ 5 million won are spotlighted, competing hotly with Samsung and other Korean makers and also overseas makers such as Sharp and Electrolux.
Mando's spokesman said, "Since last year we have been preparing for multilateral business aimed to start mass production within this year." After 1999 when Mando Machinery went bankrupt while in the black based on Halla Heavy Industries' payment warranty, Asan Business Division was separated and established as an independent company.

May 21 - Trane Introduces 19.5 SEER Air Conditioner

The American Standard Trane Company has introduced what it says is the world's most efficient residential air-conditioning system. The XL19i includes a SEER rating of up to 19.5, dual compressors for two-stage cooling and, when matched with a Trane variable-speed indoor unit, greater humidity control in cooling.
The improved airflow, or Comfort-RTM, can remove up to 24 gallons (91 L) of moisture per day, compared with 6 gallons (23 L) of moisture removed by a single-speed system. The XL19i system achieves its high efficiencies and moisture-removal rates using matched outdoor and indoor units. This combination delivers a true 50% capacity on first stage cooling and 100% capacity on second stage, Trane officials said.
Benefits According to Trane, the air conditioner having a high SEER of up to19.5 includes the following features:

Lasts a Long Time
Dual Climatuff? Compressors
Full-Side Louvered Panels
WeatherGuardTM Top Protects Components
Baked-On Powder Paint
Weather Resistant WeatherGuard Fasteners
Woven Spine FinTM Coil,

May 19 - Bitzer Aims at Further Growth and Development !

Bitzer Compressors (Beijing) Ltd. ( BCB) was founded in August 2001 to further develop the marketing and service activities for aluminium bus compressors and semi-hermetic screw compressors, and in September 2002, the company was officially opened and grand inauguration ceremony was held.
As briefly introduced in JARN April Edition, the earth-breaking ceremony for 2nd stage expansion of Bitzer Compressor (Beijing) Ltd. (BCB) was held on April 8.
In spite of the fear of prevailing SARS (Serious Acute Respiratory Syndrome), all the way from the Germany, Mr. P. Schaufler, Chairman and CEO, and his wife came to Beijing China, in order to attend the commemorative occasion and postured to dig the earth, wishing Bitzer's further development in the future.

May 16 - LG to Extensively Launch Advanced ACs in USA

LG Electronics has decided to take the full-scale offensive into the US market which is the world's largest AC market by extensively launching advanced system ACs and other ACs specifically aimed at the US market.
LG announced that, by participating in the world refrigeration & air conditioning equipment exposition "AHR Expo" held for 3 days from January 27 in Chicago, the company extensively exhibited the most advanced residential and system ACs specifically designed by taking account of American dwelling characteristics.
Among ACs exhibited this time, in view of the US market which characteristically stresses the energy efficiency, residential ACs having played the leading role were window type ACs incorporating energy-saving technologies, side by side with "built-in" TTW (Through-The-Wall) ACs installed hotels, hospitals, etc.
As system ACs, "Multi V" allowing combination of one outdoor unit and any desired indoor units and "unitary" units cooling/heating respective rooms through ductwork without using indoor units were exhibited.
LG, among other, makes it the top-priority goal for this year to expand sales of unitary products in the US market which occupies 90% share of world market, by releasing the most advanced products featuring high efficiency, low noise and low vibration levels.

May 14 - Daikin Announces "VRV-II" for European Market

Daikin Europe NV has recently announced the introduction of its VRV-II, the world's first R410A operated variable refrigerant flow system. Available in both heat pump and heat recovery versions, the new system, which represents a considerable advance over earlier VRV systems, demonstrates Daikin's innovative application of new technology and the latest HFC refrigerants to its VRV product programs. Deliveries to the European market are expected to commence mid 2003.
Note: VRV is Daikin's trade name for VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system.
New Features Many new features and installation benefits are incorporated in VRV-II. Its operating range for example - 5hp to 48hp in 2hp increment steps (22 system combinations), is wider than any of its contemporaries. Furthermore, its ability to run no less than 40 indoor fan coil units in heat recovery as well as heat pump format cannot at present be matched by other comparable systems, according to the company.
Technically advanced
The use of purpose designed DC reluctance inverter controlled scroll compressors throughout the range is an important factor and results in high COP's. The DC motor of course, maintains high efficiency levels in the most frequently used 'mid' to 'low' settings, thereby reducing electricity consumption and costs. Powerful neodymium magnets within the motor increase torque and produce much higher power output to electrical input than can be generated by conventional motors. Optimizing the sine wave curve of the motor also results in smoother rotation and enhanced motor efficiency. A significant improvement in heating mode is also realized with the extension of the operation range down to -20 deg. ^oC.

May 12 - LG Opens "Commercial AC Training Center" in Europe

LG Electronics established a huge training center for growing professional marketers to expand their business in European commercial air-conditioner market.
On Feb, 19th, LG had an opening ceremony of LG commercial air-conditioner academy in Milan, Italy, which is biggest air-conditioner market in Europe. LG's top management, Mr. S.S. Kim (vice-chairman and CEO of Digital Appliance Company) and Mr. M.K. Ahn (executive vice president, in charge of DAC Overseas Marketing), the Mayor of Milan and many local VIPs attended the ceremony.
With 1,650 m2 area of 3-story building, this center will create 2,000 sales engineers per year. That means this center is biggest air-conditioner training center in Europe. Training will be offered to local installation personnels and professional dealers focusing on installation, service and maintenance. In order to become a professional commercial air-conditioner marketer, one must have knowledge of product, but also understand building structure.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Kim commented "commercial air-conditioner business has influenced on building construction plans and big size orders, so competitiveness of sales engineers is connected with success of business", and "we have a plan of huge investment to keep a position as the global no.1 manufacturer not only in product technology side, but also installation and service technology side".
In European air-conditioner market, portion of southern Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece and etc. is getting bigger. Among them, Italy is the biggest air-conditioner market with US$ 700 million per year. LG is planning to strengthen marketing activities in this region with this huge education center.
Additionally LG will open same size training centers in Korea (Pyoungtaek), China (Tianjin) and Middle East (U.A.E. Dubai). Each of them will be the standpoint of Europe, Asia and Mid-east's growing commercial air-conditioner marketers.

May 8 - 19 SEER Air Conditioner from Lennox

With a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of up to 19.20, Lennox Industries' new HSX19 is the most quiet and efficient central air conditioner available, according to manufacturers' published ratings. The unit is the latest addition to Lennox' new Dave Lennox Signature Collection.
The two-stage scroll compressor, which uses chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant, runs at low speed up to 80% of the time, making it less expensive to operate. Its outdoor coil provides exceptional heat transfer and low air resistance for high efficiency operation.
The unit is listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an Energy Star product, meeting the program's energy reduction requirements of at least 20% to 40%.
For noise reduction, the unit incorporates SilentComfort technology, and includes a patent-pending fan design, a compressor with new vibration isolators, a new sound-dampening fan grill, and a Hushtone cabinet.
"It would take almost 13 HSX19s running at full speed to equal the sound from one typical air conditioner," according to Tim Thorson, Lennox Industries cooling-product marketing manager.

May 6 - Zamil CoolCare Ties up with U.S. Chiller Services

Zamil CoolCare, the premier HVAC service organization in Saudi Arabia and one of the strategic business units of Zamil Air Conditioners, has struck a strategic business alliance with U.S. Chiller Services - a well known name for repair and service of large capacity chillers. The alliance has already received its first joint maintenance contract at King Fahd Military Medical Complex (KFMMC) in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The three-year contract involves maintaining a number of US made centrifugal chillers that provide a total cooling of nearly 7,600 Tons. The scope of work also includes performing Eddy Current testing for optimizing the equipment performance.

How the alliance happened...
Reigning supreme and rarely contested, the service organizations of international brands of commercial air conditioning equipment went about providing their expensive services to the large owners/operators of commercial buildings, institutional facilities, and governmental premises.
That created the need for some local organization to provide economical yet competent and efficient service - someone who understood local conditions well, yet had the capability to reach out to international resources. The CoolCare-US Chillers alliance is only a result of that long felt market need. With CoolCare's strong in-house workforce and US Chillers' expertise in servicing larger equipment, customers in and around Saudi Arabia can now be assured of complete service solutions locally. Zamil CoolCare is a 500+ strong service organization spreading across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. U.S. Chiller Services is a California headquartered company with offices in San Francisco, Houston, Texas and Miami Florida. It specializes in repair, maintenance, retrofit, service and installation of all international makes and models of large capacity liquid chillers (centrifugal, Screw, and absorption types), from 100 tons to 10,000 tons.

May 5 - VRF Systems, Attractive Options in Europe

In the world commercial air conditioning field, commercial multi (VRF) systems have become recognized gradually. In Europe, especially, where central chiller systems are the mainstream, VRF systems capable of individually air conditioning multi rooms have become accepted since Daikin introduced their systems to UK in 1989. Thus, Japanese manufacturers are concentrating their energy to expand their share in Europe by strengthening the sales and service network. They are also strengthening the business strategy to secure renewal demand in Japanese market.
Developed by Daikin Industries in 1982, VRF systems have been exploring their market outlets as a system capable of individually air conditioning a wide space such as a building. There are 8 Japanese brands for VRF systems; Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Hitachi, Toshiba Carrier, Sanyo, MHI, Fujitsu General and Matsushita.
Japan's market is currently estimated at about 70,000 units (in terms of number of outdoor units), and there is stable demand every year. Also in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Middle East, Australia, etc., the demand is increasing. The UK market is showing the highest rate of growth, and VRF systems are drawing hot attention.
All Japanese makers enter European market but Daikin keeps top position.
Samsung and LG, Korea, also entered. From China, Haier and Midea presented their VRF systems at various expos. Some industry sources estimate the European market size at about 25,000 units in 2001 and some 29,000 units in 2002.
Fujitsu General attained an entry into European VRF market in 2001 with their "AIRSTAGE" series, opening VRF Support Center in London as the basis for sales support system.
Apart from European market, Chinese market is expanding rapidly and many local makers are developing the systems, such as Gree, Little Swan, Shinco, Hisense.
In Japanese market, the market stock is said to amount to about 750,000 units in terms of number of outdoor units. Since there are units which have been used for more than 10 years, renewal demand surfaces. So, for the domestic market, some Japanese manufacturers offer systems capable of using the existing pipings and thereby reducing the installation work and time, while improving efficiency and environmental factors by adopting HFC 407C or 410A refrigerants.
The industry leader Daikin will release from July "Ve-upQ" series which can use the existing pipings and requires no refrigerant charging.

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