Haier Showcased Innovation at IFA 2011 in Celebration of Its Commitment to Europe

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QINGDAO, China, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Haier, the world's number one major home appliances brand (source: Euromonitor International Ltd) has concluded its successful showcase at IFA Berlin this week.  The event, which saw Haier demonstrate some of the latest innovations in both its white goods and brown goods range, also marked Haier's commitment to the European market.

Among a number of key announcements at the event was the launch of a cutting edge research centre in Nuremberg, Germany.  This state of the art facility is a key element in Haier's drive to become one of the top five domestic appliance manufacturers in Europe over the next four years and will develop dishwasher products for the European, American and Chinese markets.  A total of 4% of Haier's global turnover, or US$60 million dollars per year is invested in innovation development by Haier annually.  The opening of the Nuremberg centre solidifies Haier's commitment to the region, which has seen it establish a presence in 30 European countries in the past 30 years.

Haier continues to innovate and create the products that consumers want and need in their homes.  At IFA Berlin Haier demonstrated a clear focus on energy conservation with the launch of its first ever washing machine and fridge ranges conforming to A +++ class energy ratings, which offer up to 75% energy savings when compared to A class refrigerators.  In addition it launched the first range of washing machines to feature an antibacterial gasket and detergent drawer, an innovation that will be applied to all of Haier's new washing machines in the future.

Furthermore, Haier showed its recently developed Haier Glass Design® doors on two of its latest refrigeration products, namely the AFD-626T MyZone Refrigerator and the HB21-FG 4D French-Door fridge-freezer.  The Haier Glass Design® was awarded the IFA Preview Award by a panel of independent journalists from mainstream, specialist and trade media in recognition of its elegant design and functionality.

Haier's brown goods range also took centre stage with Haier's first 3D, internet connected TVs on display.  This range of TVs uses a more accessible polarized 3D technology, which is viewed through lighter, battery-free glasses making it a more interactive and natural viewing experience.  Haier also demonstrated two technologies that will radically change people's viewing experience - these included the first completely Cordless 3D TV and a transparent, 22 inch new generation screen that is so thin it literally disappears from view when turned off.  These game-changing innovations place Haier at the forefront of viewing technology.

"IFA Berlin is an important event for us because we get the chance to share all the innovations we're bringing out to market for our consumers.  We listen to the feedback from customers around the globe to inform the technology solutions we design in places like our new Nuremberg R&D facility.  That deep connection and understanding of how real people use their essential domestic appliances is what will help us achieve our goal of reaching 70% growth in this market this year," commented Haier Executive Vice President Mr. LIANG Haishan.

Haier also shared some of the innovations that will be brought to market in the future.  These included a TV that is controlled by gesture alone using an integrated camera within the TV frame and a 'sensory' headset called Wave Brain that analyses electrical brain impulses to control the television.  

About Haier Group Co. Ltd.

Founded in Qingdao, Shandong province, China, in 1984 under the leadership of Mr. ZHANG Ruimin, its current Chairman and CEO, Haier is the No. 1 major home appliances brand in the world and China (Source: Euromonitor International Limited; retail volume sales in units based on 2010 data).  Haier products are distributed in more than 165 countries and regions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.  Haier has 61 trading companies, 24 manufacturing plants, 10 R&D centres and 21 industrial parks with more than 70,000 employees worldwide.  Global revenues amounted to RMB 135.7 billion (USD 20.7 billion) in 2010.  Haier Electronics Group Co., Ltd.  (HKG: 1169), a subsidiary of the Haier Group, is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.  Qingdao Haier Co.  (SHA: 600690), also a Haier subsidiary, is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit www.haier.com

SOURCE Haier Group Co. Ltd.