LG Electronics has recently made strides in the vacuum cleaner business by successfully developing a next-generation motor for the cleaning device, which the firm said was more powerful and energy efficient than those of Dyson, the world’s top vacuum cleaner-maker.
The latest motor, dubbed the BrushLess Direct Current motor, is the successor of the smart invertor motor installed in the firm’s cordless vacuum cleaner lineup Cord Zero, which was released earlier this year. The latest vacuum cleaner motor is built on the same technologies, such as those used in washing machines, as the first-generation model, but performs much better thanks to technical upgrades, according to the Seoul-based electronics firm.
 |
A model poses with LG Electronics’ CordZero vacuum cleaner equipped with a new inverter motor. (LGE) |
Despite being 60 percent smaller and 49 percent lighter than its predecessor, LG’s new inverter motor outruns other small inverter motors for vacuum cleaners out on the market in terms of energy efficiency and battery life, according to the firm.
The company did not give details on the exact suction power, but said it would exceed 200 watts, the highest level among cordless vacuum cleaners.
“LG’s competitive edge in the home appliance market is based on its topnotch electronics parts,” said Jo Seong-jin, CEO of the company’s home appliance and air solutions, in a statement.
He also vowed to keep pushing for synergy between the set and component divisions inside the company.
LG, which has been spearheading the world’s washing machine sector with high-end motor technologies for years, is trying to transfer its success in the washer segment into other businesses.
In line with the initiative, the company has set up a compressor and motor business department focused on R&D for motors.
The tech giant plans to unveil an upgraded CordZero lineup equipped with the new motor technology during the International CES, the largest electronics trade show to be held from Jan 6 to 9 in Las Vegas.
While its smartphone business is facing a downward spiral with falling sales and market share, LG’s home appliance business serves as a “shock absorber,” cushioning the impact of deteriorating profits, according to market researchers.
In the fourth quarter this year, the company is expected to see its operating profits grow 41.2 percent to 388 billion won ($332 million) on-year, while its revenues are expected to decrease 2.9 percent to 14.8 trillion won, accoring to KTB Securities.
Market researchers attributed the anticipated increase in profits to the relatively robust sales of home appliances and TVs.
By Kim Young-won (
wone0102@heraldcorp.com)
