Whirlpool 2001 Annual Report Download - page 25

Whirlpool Corporation 2001 Annual Report 23
and product-development capabilities, and focused on
the company’s consumer lifestyle research study conducted
throughout Europe.
Whirlpool Europe also delivered innovative cooking-area
concepts as the
Bauknecht brand introduced a new line of
built-in ovens and ranges. The cooking products provide
customers with highly functional ovens and ranges that are
easy to control. The pleasing visual styles of these appliances
are available in a wide variety of colors and materials to
meet the most demanding kitchen design requirements.
The
Bauknecht brand also introduced a full line of Intelligent
Dialogue
dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers, refrigerators
and freezers that carry the highly sophisticated look
derived from the company’s unique global appliance
design process — called visual brand language (VBL) — as
well as sensor-driven technology for peak performance.
These products stand out in the European marketplace as
smart, stylish and efficient solutions for household tasks.
For the Whirlpool brand, the release of the 6th Sense clothes
washer resonated with consumers because of its intelligent,
easy-to-use controls. The
6th Sense clothes washer has
been recognized as one of the region’s best in technology,
design, safety, and both water and energy efficiency. Energy
efficiency continued to be an important focus of Whirlpool
Europe during 2001. In March, the
Whirlpool brand cabinet
refrigerator received the European Energy+ award for
outstanding performance in reducing the use of electricity.
Whirlpool Europe extended productivity improvements in
2001 by driving efficiencies throughout the region’s supply
chain, such as working with major suppliers to move their
production facilities into, or close to, our factories. The
region also made significant progress in applying Internet
technology to its business systems through the Tradeplace
and Partner Store initiatives, which enable trade partners
faster, more convenient access to information on
Whirlpool
products. Internet capabilities applied to home solutions will
feature new appliances and services that give consumers the
ability to manage their household tasks with greater ease
than ever before.
In 2002, Whirlpool Europe expects revenue gains from new
product introductions, price improvements and continued
efforts to strengthen our brands in markets throughout the
region. We expect operating margins to improve as well,
based largely on our continued focus on productivity and
restructuring initiatives. Throughout the year, we will
continue to deliver a strong product mix as our brands
compete in an industry where unit shipments are expected
to remain on par with 2001 levels.
The distinctive Whirlpool brand
Maximo microwave oven takes
up much less counter space, yet
delivers cooking capacity equal
to larger models.
The new European built-in gas
range with easy-to-reach controls
and stylish designs is built to the
Whirlpool brand’s exacting
standards.
Intelligent Dialogue, the Bauknecht
brand dishwasher’s convenient
LCD display and
Dynamic Sense
technology save water, time
and electricity.
The
Bauknecht brand Intelligent
Dialogue
refrigerator — the smart,
easy-to-use and efficient appliance
for convenience and style.