Haier launches India's 1st Detergent-Free Washing Machine

Company release, November 5, 2004

Mumbai

Haier, the world's second largest home appliances brand unveiled a technological marvel- India's 1st detergent free washing machine (Model XQSB60-JN) today. The company has a world patent for the pathbreaking technology used in manufacturing this detergent free washing machine.

The revolutionary detergent free washing machine works on the principle of membranous chemistry and uses electrolysis and activated water treatment technology for getting the desired results. Besides providing the dual benefits of cleaning and softening fabrics, this technological marvel also helps in controlling water pollution in the environment due to its non-usage of chemical detergents. All these benefits coupled with Haier's revolutionary double drive technology in washing machines (which provides 25% better washing than normal washing machines) help in making the new detergent free washing machine a truly invaluable purchase.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. T.K. Banerjee, President & CEO, Haier Appliances (India) P. Ltd. said, It is our mission at Haier to provide quality products and services at par with international standards which we follow world-over to our valued customers in India. Our range of home appliances has got enthusiastic response across India. We now hope to provide customers with the next generation in home appliances by launching innovative products like the detergent free washing machine. "

According to Mr. Pranay Dhabhai, Director, Haier India," After the successful launch of Haier's unique bottom mounted refrigerator, the launch of the detergent free washing machine marks a step further in our endeavor to provide usable technology through products that make everyday life simpler for our customers. Moving ahead in this direction, we plan to set up a R&D facility in the coming months so that some of the work which is presently being done overseas can be shifted to India. Further, the R&D unit would also reduce the lead time involved in introducing more India centric products for which development work presently takes place overseas."

The state-of-the-art washing machine cleans as well as gives a softening effect to the fabric. It utilizes Haier's patented technology to electrolyse the tap water and change the pH level to that of water containing detergents. This provides enhanced cleanliness to the washed fabric. Additionally, it also activates the water inside the whole tub, thus changing the surface tension of the water to give a softening effect to the fabric.

The 6 kg capacity machine is priced at Rs 34, 990 and will be available at leading retail outlets selling Haier products across the country shortly. The product was unveiled by the Haier Group worldwide in May earlier this year and has received enthusiastic response in international markets.

About Haier

The Haier group was set up in 1984 in Qingdao of China and in just two decades as per Euromonitor Statistics of 2003, Haier was ranked as the 2nd largest Home Appliances brand in the world. The group has emerged as a top multinational, manufacturing a wide range of home appliances and consumer electronics products with manufacturing facilities spread over 13 countries including USA, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia other than its robust presence in China. The company has its marketing and sales network in 166 countries around the world and in 2003, the group turnover aggregated US$ 9.2 billion. The product range comprises of over 15,100 models in 96 categories. Continuous innovation is the soul of Haier's corporate culture and on an average Haier develops 1.3 new products per day through its 18 Research & Development and design centers across the world.

Haier India is 100 per cent subsidiary of Haier Group, which started its operations in December 2003. In India the company's product range includes color televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens, clothes dryers, dishwashers, DVD players and home theatre systems. The company has 5 exclusive Planet Haier showrooms in the country and plans to increase the number to 20 such showrooms by the end of March 2005.

For further information, please contact: -

Ruby Sinha/Shweta Gupta

GCI- The PR Division of Grey Worldwide,

Tel: 5163 3612- 14

Email: ruby_sinha@greyindia.com, shweta_gupta@greyindia.com