Manufacturers see gains from tailor made projects for KSA

(MENAFN- Arab News) SEOUL: Saudi Arabia's pivotal position in the Gulf in various sectors of industry is being increasingly recognized by world manufacturers. That is how international manufacturers are vying with each other to introduce their new products in a bid to expand their share of the potentially rich Saudi market.
In the field of electronic goods Saudi Arabia tops the Gulf and that is how it has become the most preferred country for many international companies to introduce and promote their latest products and services. One such company is LG Electronics a South Korean giant whose top management and production executives explained their strategic plans for Saudi Arabia and reviewed their present and future plans to a Saudi media group including Arab News during its visit to South Korea.
The Saudi market for air conditioners in particular is the most promising one and especially for LG. 'The Kingdom's market is progressing very well for the last 15 years for air conditioners. We want to continue to be successful and replicate our Saudi success in the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East countries' said Daniel Dae-ho Shin.
'LG which is among the top three players in the region in fact holds No. 1 position in the Middle East' Shin said adding that the company's success in the Saudi market has mainly contributed in maintaining the leading position in the region. Explaining LG's plans he said: 'LG will continue to pursue success in the Saudi market through aggressive marketing across the GCC.'
According to Shin different countries have different lifestyles; however the entire GCC has an identical lifestyle. However the Saudi quality of life is exceptionally high. Saudis live as large family units. That is why LG always targets the Saudi market exclusively with tailor-made projects.
'We are planning to launch large-capacity products so we will be recognized based on these types of products' Shin said adding that LG could use its core technology to meet increasing consumer needs for energy-efficient and convenient use of products. After all LG is number one in energy saving products' he said.
Shin added that with the Saudi Standard Organization (SASO) setting new standards for refrigerators LG was the first to introduce products meeting the SASO's requirements.
Kevin Cho of LG Electronics said the company first studies product preferences of the Saudi market and then develops and supplies tailor-made products. For instance 'LG is strengthening its wind power technology and introduce it in the Saudi market in the near future.'
LG sells large capacity products in the Gulf markets 'but we are working on new products with smaller capacities' Cho said.
There is huge demand for LG flagship products like refrigerators air conditioners and vacuum cleaners across Saudi Arabia. LG and its joint venture partner Ibrahim Shaker are working together to create demand for electronics products and services across the Kingdom with a view to becoming a preferred supplier of such goods he said.
'Global competition is intensifying and Saudi Arabia is no exception. Together with our partners we are maintaining our brand position in the Kingdom' Cho added.
Won Young Park of LG Electronics spoke about the company's latest air conditioners. 'LG has developed air conditioners designed exclusively for the Kingdom. Its latest Titan series residential air conditioners (RACs) boast powerful cooling and exceptional durability features that are essential for surviving the region's unrelenting heat' he said.
LG is dedicated to producing strong region-specific products and this has enabled it to become the number one air conditioning brand in the Kingdom as well as in the rest of the Middle East and Africa region over the last 10 years he said quoting Euromonitor data.
LG's latest RAC features the Gold Fin system. A protective coating on the surface of the heat exchanger the Gold Fin offers protection against corrosion and wear caused by prolonged exposure to the elements.
Meanwhile the 4-Way Swing feature evenly disperses the RAC's airflow; sending it in multiple directions and creating a consistent temperature throughout the entire room.
LG also has incorporated the company's latest air filtration technologies into its well-rounded RAC.
'The Titan Series delivers all the benefits that Saudi customers have come to expect from an LG RAC' said Seong-jin Jo president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company.
'This tailor-made solution provides extreme durability and enduring operational stability ensuring trouble-free performance and strong cooling year after year. With LG's advanced air purification systems the Titan Series also helps to safeguard the health of the consumers and their family. By continuing to produce a comprehensive lineup of high performing products LG hopes to remain a leader in the Saudi RAC market' Jo said.
LG also showcassed its extraordinary lineup of convenience and performance-enhancing washing machines.
Equipped with incredible technologies such as 6 Motion Direct Drive TurboWash and TurboShot LG's washing machines ensure that finished laundry comes out brilliantly clean while saving time and water said Yongmin Jeon manager MEA washing machine sales and marketing team.
'We design our washing machines with consumer needs in mind making sure that they provide reduced washing times and greater water savings' Jo added.
Highlighting its reliability and durability the equipped inverter direct drive motor comes with a 10-year warranty and has been certified by VDE of Germany for its ability to perform effectively for 22 years. 'Moreover with cutting-edge technologies like TurboWash increasing the appeal of our products LG will continue to lead the global washing machine market and continue working to become the number one brand in the global home appliance market' he said.
LG's TrueSteam technology also works to eliminate allergens mites and residual detergent all of which have been linked to respiratory and skin ailments. Helping to address consumers' health concerns the Steam Softener function is a safe and effective alternative to conventional chemical-based fabric softeners.
LG's Eco-Hybrid washer-dryers feature both air drying and normal drying modes whereas most washing machines only offer one or the other. This convenient and efficient washer-dryer delivers better energy savings than conventional models. Moreover LG's powerful air drying setting can save users more water and energy compared to conventional LG drying modes.
LG's front-load washing machine is also equipped with Smart Diagnosis which helps users quickly and efficiently troubleshoots almost any issues before they become bigger problems. Moreover the convenience of near field communication NFC allows users to download specialized washing cycles to their smart phones to be uploaded to the appliances with a single tap of the phone to the washer.
Speaking about refrigerators Dong Ju Kwak regional manager MEA W/M sales and marketing team LG Electronics said LG is showing off its latest range of refrigerator models equipped with the "revolutionary" Dual Door-in-Door feature and the inverter linear compressor.
'LG's new four-door refrigerator has two independent Door-in-Door compartments giving you the ultimate in convenience better organization and easy access while maximizing conservation of cold air' he added.
Seong-jin Jo president and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company said: 'Packed with cutting-edge technologies and features including the innovative Dual Door-in-Door refrigerator LG's outstanding refrigerators make life in the kitchen so much better.'