Haier's Revolutionary World's First Natural Washing Machine is Now In Malaysia

Malaysia is South -East Asia's Launchpad for the environmentally-friendly Natural Wash washing machine which does not require detergent, just water

Kuala Lumpur, February 22,2006 - Haier Electrical Appliances (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd today launched its revolutionary washing machine which does not use detergent, the Natural Wash with Double-Drive, in Malaysia. By eliminating the use of detergent, Natural Wash offers consumers an efficient and environmentally-friendly product which only uses water to wash clothes.

The world's first natural washing machine, the Natural Wash uses an electrolysis technology which breaks down water into negative and positive ions (OH- and H+) which act as a natural detergent to clean clothes. During the washing cycle, the water flowing into the washing machine is electrolyzed into negative ions of OH-. This simulates the alkaline pH level of a normal detergent washing environment. Combined with the cyclonic washing power of Haier's proprietary Double-Drive technology - the washed clothes will be thoroughly clean. An environmentally-friendly softener is also automatically added in the final wash cycle leaving clothes luxurious to the touch.

The event was officiated by Mr Gao Wenkuan, Counsellor, Economic & Commercial Counsellor's Office, Embassy of the People's Republic of China, together with Haier executive - Mr Shi Guangwen, General Manager, Washing Machine Overseas Department, Haier China; Mr Hou Xinlai, Marketing Manager, Oversea Division, Haier China; and Mr Lye Hun Kwee, Executive Director, Haier Electrical Appliances (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

"Haier is continually pushing the bar on innovation, and this focus has led to the development of the 4th generation washing machine. The Natural Wash with Double-Drive builds on the global leadership we have established in delivering technologically advanced and innovative products in the washing machine product category," said Mr Shi Guangwen, General Manager, Washing Machine Overseas Department, Haier China.

Ensuring the washed clothes are naturally protected, during the cycle, the water is electrolyzed to discharge positive ions, H+. These ions with an acidic pH level act as a natural sterilizer to 99.9% of harmful bacteria, and deodorize clothes.

The Haier Natural Wash HMW70-0588H is a 7kg top-loader machine which will be available in the market from March 2006. Each unit is priced at RM 3,999 and is the frist washing machine in the market which comes with full five-year warranty period. In addtion, customers will also receive a special VIP yearly technical inspection service from Haier throughout the warranty period.

"Haier's products stand for quality and excellence, and the extension of the warranty period and complimentary inspection service testifies to this. We will continue to provide significant value-added benefits to our customers which is synonymous with Haier's brand globally," Shi added.

Haier, the second largest whitegoods brand globally in term of sales revenue, was ranked 89th among "the world's 100 most influential brands" by the World Brand Lab in 2005.

The launch of the Natural Wash washing in Malysia also represents the regional launch of the product in South-East Asia. To mark the occasion, Haier China entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with four of its distributors from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, for the purchase of 10,000 units each of the Natural Wash washing machines.

"Malaysia represents a key market to Haier's global growrth as we expand into South-East Asia. The emphasis we place on the Malaysian Market is reflected by the fact that outside China, this is the frist country where we are marketing the natural wash machines," said Mr Hou Xinlai, Marketing Manager, Overseas Division, Haier China.

Mr. Lye Hun Kwee, Executive Director, Haier Electrical Appliances (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd added,
"Haier's decision to launch the Natural Wash machines in Malaysia is a sign of our commitment to the local market. We are focused in our vision to be among the top three brand names in the white goods sector by 2010. With this in mind we are intensifying our efforts to introduce more cutting edge products, including LCD TV and air conditioners. We are confident that Natural Wash will take us far in our journey towards achieving our vision".

Guests were also taken on an exhibition tour through a Washing Machine Time tunnel which showcased the evolution of washing machines from the first generation front loading machine, through to the 2nd generation US-styled agitator washer, 3rd -generation Japanese-styled top-loading machine and to the current 4th generation Natural Wash with Double-Drive machine.

The exhibition also dispalyed more than 100 units of various Haier washing machine models. Guests were also treated to a sneak preview of Haier's latest produsts such as the Ultra-Slim U-series air-conditioners, LCD and Plasma TVs, Side-by-side refrigerators, which will soon be launched in the region.