Today the company announced that it had double-digit sales growth in 2007 in North America, as it has since 2003. This growth is due in part to the large quantity of new appliances launched in 2007.

The BHS line of products are Thermador, Bosch, Siemens and Gaggenau. Much of the 2007 growth came from the new Bosch line of front-loading washers and dishwashers.

The company was also awarded the 2007 Excellence in Energy Star Promotion Award and 2007 Annual Flex Your Power Award. They were also ranked highest in customer satisfaction for the second consecutive year by J.D. Power and Associates in the dishwasher category of the 2007 Major Home Appliance Study.

LG has responded to Whirlpools charge of patent infringement with the statement that they will respond “actively” to the charge. Huh? What does that mean?

From Reuters:

“We will file a report to refute the charge with the ITC,” said Na Joo-young, an LG spokeswoman. “We will respond actively, but the process will take a long time.”

LG had no plan to file a counter suit over the case, she added.

I’m not sure what this means but I suspect that LG plans to mire this in legal proceedings which essentially means that they get to continue doing whatever they want and there is little that Whirlpool can do about it.  Should be fun to watch though.

Sub Zeros, often the size of a mid-sized truck are often looked at as massive energy consumers. They are beautiful and if you’ve got the kitchen for it, and the bottomless pocketbook to spend on it – why not? But – how much energy do they consume? Are they going to do more damage to the environment than a more conventional appliance?

Getwithgreen.com recently did a nice little review on the energy use of Sub Zero’s. I was surprised by how good a rating they have – plus they use partly recycled plastics. They might look like SUV’s but they consume like a compact. Here are some of the features noted in the article:

• The largest Sub-Zero refrigerator consumes less power than a 100-watt bulb, due to dual refrigeration technology.
• Sub-Zero products are manufactured in the United States, which reduces the environmental impact caused by international shipping of materials and parts.
• Sub-Zero has worked hard to find/use energy efficient motors.
• All refrigerant used is non-ozone depleting.
• All vehicles used in the production are electric or propane powered.
• Aggressive recycling programs at the factory for all scrap materials.

You can read the full article here.

NEW Customer Service Companies, Inc. has purchased Servicebench. (NEW is a privately-held, independent third-party administrator of extended service plans, buyer protection services and product support programs.)  I’m not sure that we as service techs will see any changes though. My wish list for Servicebench is that they take advantage of the mobile technologies out there and make Servicebench more accessible from mobile communication devices. Maybe a new parent company will make this happen.

From the Servicebench Press Release.

About N.E.W. Customer Service Companies, Inc. (NEW)

NEW is the leading provider of extended service plans, buyer protection services and product support, providing coverage to more than 100 million consumers worldwide. Founded in 1983 with headquarters in Sterling, Va., NEW provides award-winning post-sale consumer care for leading retailers, consumer service providers, wireless carriers and financial services firms. For more information, please visit NEW at www.newcorp.com or call 1-800 WHAT’S NEW (1-800-942-8763).

About ServiceBench

ServiceBench is a leading provider of service management solutions that integrate post-sales service activities including service call management, field service management, parts management, claims management and service contract management. The ServiceBench on-demand system easily enables service transactions between manufacturers, retailers or extended warranty providers and their network of parts suppliers, distributors and service providers. ServiceBench solutions provide the essential foundation to manage the service chain for profit and competitive advantage. ServiceBench’s existing investors include JMI Equity, Valhalla Partners and NextGen Capital. For more information, please visit www.servicebench.com.

Yesterday, Whirlpool filed copyright infringement proceedings with the International Trade Commission against LG. The press release does not state the specific technology that Whirlpool feels has been infringed but it seems to be with their refrigerators.

The patents protect proprietary technologies associated with the fastest growing segments in refrigeration — French Door Bottom Mount, Bottom (freezer) Mount, and select Side-by-side refrigerators — Whirlpool products that deliver innovative features consumers want:

* Reliable external ice and water dispensing through the door
* Freezer drawer support structure that allows easy organization and compartment access

For more information see the Whirlpool Press Release.

The Whirlpool Corp. press release gives more information on the onboard computer systems planned for their refrigerator.

In addition to the Clio(R) Vu by Data Evolution (see previous post here), other included gadgets are:

CEIVA Digital Photo Frame

Designed for the centralpark(TM) connection, the frame is Wi-Fi ready and features an 8″ high- resolution LCD screen with a built-in card reader. With on-screen menus, the frame is easy to use and capable of automatically receiving photos sent by camera phone or through an online CEIVA account.

Brandmotion iPod Speaker System

Brandmotion, a current “Made for iPod” Apple licensee, and authorized iPod accessory manufacturer created a self-charging, high-quality iPod docking system with dual stereo speakers for use with the centralpark(TM) connection. The docking station is specifically designed for use in the kitchen with four large membrane-type buttons for easy use and cleanup. The docking station is manufactured to securely hold any size iPod and withstand the frequent opening and closing of the freezer door.

Cozi Family Organizational Software

Cozi, a free software and Web service which helps busy families manage their schedules, create shopping and to-do lists, organize household chores and stay in communication, is one of Whirlpool brand’s latest partners. When used with the centralpark(TM) connection, Cozi is able to provide easy-to-use solutions in the middle of the action, right on the refrigerator. In addition to Cozi’s calendar, photo and messaging features, Whirlpool consumers will find it especially helpful to add items to the Cozi Shopping List right from their kitchen and then receive the list as a text message on their mobile phone, when away from home. With Cozi, families stay coordinated, schedules are updated, groceries are purchased — all in an effort to simplify and enjoy family life.

Quartet(R) Qnote(TM) Message Center by Acco Brands

The Quartet(R) Qnote(TM) Message Center enables families to share and communicate important messages from the kitchen. Quartet, maker of visual solutions for over 50 years, designed the Qnote Message Center specifically for the centralpark(TM) connection. The message center, made of durable tempered glass, offers a superior dry-erase writing surface and ambient surface illumination to bring messages to light. Interchangeable templates offer customizable layouts to meet each family’s individual lifestyles and unique tastes. A digital clock with date and timer, and a sliding storage drawer to keep documents like schedules and menus handy, are all part of Qnote’s organizational features.

To see more about the Centralpark connection system goto whirlpool.com/centralpark.

This news came out a couple of weeks ago – but for those of you who don’t know, Leon’s has purchased Appliance Canada.

Here is a news excerpt from Yahoo Finance:

Leon’s Furniture Limited is pleased to announce that it has completed its purchase of the assets of Appliance Canada Ltd. and retained the services of their management and employees. Appliance Canada will operate as a separate division of Leon’s Furniture Limited acting as its wholesale distribution arm for sales of major appliances to builders and apartment landlords. It will also continue the retail selling of higher end appliances to the public.

Computer manufacturer Data Evolutions Corp announced today that they’ve won a contract to produce computers that are to be installed in Whirlpool refrigerators. Although computer technology has been used in appliances for years, this will be a little different as this computer will be there to assist consumers with their kitchen management.

From Marketwire:

Clio Vu, pre-loaded with Cozi family organizational software, helps clear refrigerators of sticky notes, traditional notepads and calendars, while keeping grocery lists and schedules organized. Equipped with Wi- Fi, the Clio Vu can be removed easily from the centralpark connection digital hub and brought on trips to the corner coffee shop or on other errands and activities. Using touch screen, keypad or handwriting input, consumers are easily able to update their schedules and keep track of their home happenings without the clutter. Clio Vu users also have the freedom to watch movies and look up recipes and other information online while working in the kitchen.

This product should be available later in 2008.