Whirlpool 2001 Annual Report Download - page 27

Whirlpool Corporation 2001 Annual Report 25
Among the products introduced by the Brastemp brand
were the new frost-free
Duplex refrigerator, the Solution
dishwasher, the Intelligent stain remover clothes washer
and companion dryer, the
Mosaic line of gourmet quality
cooktops, and the
Jet Defrost microwave range.
The
Consul brand introduced the Modular line of cabinet-
built-in appliances; a new 280-litre, single-door frost-free
refrigerator; and
Eficiência Master , a new line of energy-
efficient room air conditioners.
Our Latin American brand groups carried out a broad and
effective communications campaign to raise consumer
awareness of energy-conservation issues, as well as the
potential cost savings from switching to energy-efficient
appliances. For example, the
Brastemp brand launched a
new Internet site that enables consumers to compare
energy-efficiency ratings for products and other important
features. The site received the 2001 “I-Best” award, a
prestigious recognition of Brazil’s top Internet site.
In response to Whirlpool Latin America’s efforts to develop
and introduce appliances that conserve electricity, the
Brazilian government recognized
Brastemp and Consul
brand appliances among the most energy efficient in the
country. No fewer than 20 products received the “Procel”
(energy saving) award. Whirlpool Latin America’s success
in developing, launching and marketing energy-efficient
appliances provided significant positive momentum for
the region’s operating performance in 2001.
The year also marked the introduction of the legendary
KitchenAid brand stand mixer into Latin America and the
launch of the
Brastemp brand Professional Quality line of
countertop appliances, including blenders, food processors
and automatic coffee makers.
Whirlpool expects to maintain its market leadership in
Latin America by a wide margin in 2002, thanks largely to
the strength of its
Brastemp and Consul brands. We expect
Latin American appliance industry unit shipments to
increase slightly from the 2001 level. In this environment,
we will further expand our strong positions in Brazil,
Argentina and Chile, and significantly increase our
exports to other markets in the world, which should result in
moderate revenue growth and improved operating margins.
The Intelligent washer from
Brastemp brand provides an
exclusive stain-removing cycle
that saves customers the need
to pre-wash clothes.
The
Inside Freezer Refrigerator
by Brastemp brand is a convenient,
single-door refrigerator with a
built-in freezer.
The
Consul brand Frost Free
Refrigerator delivers on the
brand’s promise of being easy
to use and dependable.
The sophisticated look of the
Mosaic
line of adaptable, built-in cooktops,
ovens and overhead vents is a
popular
Brastemp brand innovation.
Consul brand’s new line of room
air conditioners meets the Brazilian
government’s “Procel” standards
for excellence in energy efficiency.