LG Electronics Vice President Lee Gam-gyu: "Sold More Air Conditioners Than Samsung Last Year" (Comprehensive)

2020 LG Whisen ThinQ Air Conditioner New Product Launch
VP Lee "Air Conditioner Sales Target Much Higher Than Last Year"
New Product Equipped with 4-Stage Clean Management Function...Maintains Comfort

(From left) Jaeonghyun Bae, Executive Director of LG Electronics RAC Research and Development, Gamgyu Lee, Vice President and Head of Air Solution Business Division, and Jeongsu Lim, Head of Korea B2B Marketing, are answering questions at the '2020 LG Whisen ThinQ Air Conditioner New Product Launch' held on the morning of the 16th at Designer Club in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Lee Gam-gyu, Vice President and Head of LG Electronics Air Solution Division, stated on the 16th that LG’s air conditioners have virtually secured the number one market share in the domestic market.

At the '2020 LG Whisen ThinQ Air Conditioner New Product Launch' held on the morning of the same day at the Designer Club in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, Lee said, "Samsung Electronics sells through Samsung Digital Plaza, while LG Electronics sells through LG Best Shop," adding, "It seems that Best Shop sells more air conditioners than Digital Plaza."

He continued, "LG Electronics also seems to sell slightly more through other retailers such as Hi-Mart and Electronic Land," but explained, "It is difficult to state the exact market share figures because each company cannot ascertain the distribution numbers they hold."

Regarding sales targets, Lee said, "Although it will not be easy due to the economic downturn and weather conditions, this year’s air conditioner sales target is set to be slightly higher than last year." Industry insiders estimate the domestic air conditioner market size last year to be around 2.4 to 2.5 million units.

On the same day, LG Electronics unveiled 29 new models of the 2020 LG Whisen ThinQ air conditioners for the first time. The new air conditioners feature a four-stage clean management function that keeps the airflow path?from the incoming air filter to the blower fan?pleasant. This includes ultra-fine filter automatic cleaning, blower fan sterilization, heat exchanger automatic drying, and air purification management using a dedicated filter.

◆ Four-stage Clean Management for a More Comfortable Airflow Path = The newly released Whisen ThinQ air conditioners apply the 'Filter Clean Bot,' first introduced in the ultra-premium LG Signature air conditioner. When used for eight hours a day, the Filter Clean Bot automatically cleans the air conditioner’s ultra-fine filter once a week.

The blower fan is equipped with the UV Nano function, which uses UV LED sterilization to eco-friendly sterilize 99.9% of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The UV Nano function’s sterilization effect on harmful bacteria has been verified through tests conducted under proprietary conditions by domestic and international certification bodies, including the Korea Chemical Convergence Testing Institute and Germany’s TUV Rheinland.

The new models allow three-step adjustment of the automatic drying time that dries the heat exchanger with air when the power is turned off after cooling operation. In addition to the four-stage filters?ultra-fine filter, ultra-fine mini filter, ultra-fine plus filter, and dust ionizer?they are equipped with a PM1.0 sensor capable of detecting ultra-fine dust particles with a diameter of 1 micrometer (μm, one-millionth of a meter) or less.

On the 16th, LG Electronics unveiled 29 new models of the 2020 LG Whisen ThinQ air conditioners and began full-scale sales on the same day. An LG Electronics model is introducing the more convenient and comfortable 2020 LG Whisen ThinQ air conditioner new products.

◆ Maintaining Energy Efficiency While Maximizing Cooling Performance = The cooling area has been expanded by one pyeong (3.3㎡) while maintaining energy efficiency. This considers climate changes such as longer and hotter summers and changes in residential environments like apartment balcony expansions. While expanding cooling performance, energy efficiency is maximized through an optimized algorithm based on AI dual inverter technology, reducing electricity costs.

This is because the dual inverter compressor, equipped with two cylinders that compress refrigerant, can compress more refrigerant at once. LG Electronics offers a 10-year free warranty on the inverter compressor, a core component of the air conditioner.

◆ Equipped with 3rd Generation AI, Optimizes Operation Mode by Itself = The LG Whisen ThinQ air conditioner is equipped with customer-friendly 3rd generation AI smart care. The new product detects whether people are present indoors and their activity levels to automatically operate the optimal mode. Activity levels are categorized into three stages: level 1 for customers resting comfortably, level 2 for standing activities like cooking or working, and level 3 for cleaning. The higher the activity level, the lower the set temperature, allowing operation tailored to the situation.

If no customer is detected within a certain distance, the air conditioner automatically switches to maximum power-saving mode. It also provides voice notifications about mode changes and necessary information without the customer having to ask.

LG Electronics also announced the application of 'Proactive Service' in the new product, which manages home appliances in optimal condition. The air conditioner analyzes its operating status and preemptively detects needs such as ultra-fine filter cleaning, inspection due to refrigerant shortage, and ventilation due to temperature rise around the outdoor unit, notifying users via the LG ThinQ smartphone app.

In addition to existing premium colors like Romantic Rose and New Metal Shine, LG Electronics added a sophisticated matte color called Wedding Snow, which harmonizes well with interior d?cor.

Lee said, "Customers using Whisen ThinQ air conditioners can manage their products more conveniently and comfortably and directly experience the convenience of AI," adding, "We will continue to strive to create differentiated customer value that a number one brand can provide based on innovative technology."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.