Mr. Yong Jin Khan, the head of air conditioning overseas marketing at LG Electronics Digital Appliance Company said: “The highest market share re-affirms the outstanding quality of our products and our in-depth perspective on consumer trends. LG has turned its business resources and focus into premium air conditioner products since 2004 and plans to further strengthen its design-oriented, stat-of-the-art ARTCOOL air conditioners in the coming years. We will also move into the commercial air conditioner business by leveraging our leadership in residential air conditioners.”

According to Japan-based Fuji-Keizai (Fuji Economy Research Institute), LG sold approximately 60,420,000 unit-size industry. LG also widened the gap with the next contender, a Chinese manufacturer, by more than 3 million units. Starting from 4.1 million in 2000, LG has dramatically increased the sales volume of its residential air conditioners. In 2005, the sales volume once again exceeded 10 million, despite the unprecedented pressures of high oil prices, the hike in raw materials prices and a cool summer in Europe and North America. research results of Fuji-Keizai are published annually on JARN (Japan Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News).

LG was most valued by consumers for understanding their needs and providing additional-lifestyle-enhancing values. Mr. Khang explained: “The important consumer trend in air conditioning industry 2005 can be summarized into eco-friendly features, localized product, and colorful design, areas in which LG has unrivaled leadership.”

LG introduced an “Eco Design” tool in tis air conditioners that bans the use of environmentally destructive heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. Its Multi Power System, which combines multiple compressors in a single air conditioning system, reduces the energy consumption of the system by a maximum of 70 percent compared to conventional air conditioners with one compressor. LG air conditioners also feature “Neo Plasma Plus System” which allows healthier, more natural cooling.

LG leveraged country-and-culture specific product development and marketing activities to become the world leader in the air conditioner market. For the Middle East, LG has introduced “Tropical” air conditioners, which can withstand the hot and humid climate of the region. In Europe, LG established a number of “Art Clima” shops, gallery-like upscale shops exclusive for its high-end Art Cool air conditioners, to cater to the end of style-seeking consumers.

Responding to the growing demand for household appliances to blend with home interior decoration, LG added renditions of world famous pieces by Van Gogh and Sisley among other, on the front panel of its “ARTCOOL” air conditioners. LG's trend-setting design innovation will continue to lead the market in 2006, with the incorporation of a world-first feature – the replaceable front panel. Consumers can now freely change the design of the front panel of their air conditioners by simply inserting any painting, printed design or even a family picture inside the panel.