Electrolux 2010 Annual Report Download - page 18

Growth potential for induction hobs
40
30
20
10
0<1
% of households
Spain
Western Europe
Germany
France
Eastern Europe
Induction hobs represent one of the
most rapid and efficient methods of
preparing food. As a pioneer of the
segment, Electrolux commands a
strong position. Induction hobs may
still be unusual in households, but
the segment is showing strong
growth.
Source: Electrolux estimate.
Low penetration for dishwashers
The market for dishwashers has
a strong potential for growth.
Less than half of the house-
holds in Europe own dishwash-
ers, partly because they are still
erroneously considered to con-
sume large volumes of water.
Source: Electrolux estimate.
100
75
50
25
0
% of households
Germany
Western Europe
Italy
Eastern Europe
Russia
Refrigerators and freezers
Simpler refrigerators and freezers are exposed to intense competi-
tion and have relatively low profit margins. However, innovative
products, including frost-free freezers, are showing strong growth
and profitability. Electrolux is developing new functions and energy-
saving storage solutions that fulfill the needs of consumers.
Reducing the amount of food that is unnecessarily discarded
requires refrigerators that can preserve the freshness of produce for
a long time. Electrolux has developed a new technology that
ensures that fresh produce retains nutritional value, taste and aroma
irrespective of the external climate.
The energy consumption during use of large kitchen appliances
including refrigerators accounts for more than 80% of their total
environmental impact. Lower energy consumption reduces the total
cost for the consumer. The most efficient refrigerators and freezers
from Electrolux currently consume 65% less energy than standard
refrigerators launched 15 years ago.
Cookers, ovens and hobs
Cookers, ovens and hobs are the Group’s strongest and most prof-
itable segments in kitchen products. Their technical advancement
increases the opportunities for differentiation.
Innovation is a strong driver for growth in these product catego-
ries and Electrolux has developed a range of new functions that
facilitate food preparation. The Electrolux Inspiro is an oven that uti-
lizes sensors to identify the volume of the food being prepared and
thereafter determines the best cooking method and temperature as
well as the optimum position in the oven. When the food is ready,
the oven turns itself off.
Steam ovens have long been used in professional kitchens simply
because they make food that much tastier. Steam-cooking pre-
serves the natural flavors and colors, as well as the vitamins and
minerals contained in the food. In Europe, Electrolux has launched
steam ovens for home use with great success.
Induction hobs are another segment that is growing rapidly, due
primarily to their speed and energy efficiency. As one of the first
companies in this category, Electrolux commands a strong position.
Induction hobs have been sold in Europe in more than 10 years. In
the US, Electrolux launched the first induction hobs in the market in
2008.
Dishwashers
Electrolux produces water- and energy-efficient dishwashers for
large and small households. Low noise levels, customized dish-
washing programs and effective baskets are among the needs met
by Electrolux. The new dishwashers, Electrolux RealLife® and AEG-
Electrolux Proclean, provide large amounts of space and movable
baskets that suit all kinds of items. The Energy Saver button on
every new dishwasher from Electrolux enables energy consumption
to be reduced by up to 25%. The development of new, water-
efficient dishwashers has progressed rapidly at Electrolux.
annual report 2010 | part 1 | operations | product categories | consumer durables | kitchen
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