Johannesburg, South Africa, 2 April 2007 - LG Electronics (LGE), the world?s number one air conditioner retailer for seven consecutive years, is set to further consolidate its leading position in the international air-conditioning market with the launch of its latest energy-efficient series.

According to the new development, LGE will upgrade its award-winning and innovative Artcool air conditioner to include Inverter technology, a groundbreaking concept that is more energy-efficient and will maintain a more stable room temperature.

The Inverter technology has proved to increase functionality as well as performance in air conditioners. LG?s Inverter technology dynamically controls compressor speed, which means cooling and heating can be adjusted much quicker to provide more stable temperature control.

Moreover, the 2007 Artcool Inverter can easily maintain desired temperatures, thus reducing electricity costs by about 44 per cent over conventional models while making less noise. The LG Artcool Inverter cools 50 per cent faster than conventional air conditioners and can adjust its motor speed to keep a rooms temperature more stable.

The Artcool has already swept the world?s premium air conditioner market with the simple yet clever concept of having a wall-mounted air conditioner double as a picture frame by using an easily replaceable front panel. This was one of the first steps in the industry toward ?melting? ? appliances that, like furniture, blend and work with household d?cor to match a theme.

?This upgrade is part of our continuing commitment to enhance the lifestyle quality of our customers. Inverter technology will make people more comfortable while, at the same time, lowering their electric bills. LG?s innovative Artcool inverter air conditioner ensures that everyone can enjoy a more pleasant climate at home, both temperature-wise and aesthetically,? said Mr. Ken Jeong, Aircon product manager of LG Electronics South Africa.

The Artcool air conditioners also have replaceable front panels, which provide an aesthetic value to the product, over and above the technologically advanced features. The panels can be customised to portray family photographs, scenic views or any image of the consumer?s choice.

Its replaceable front panel and Inverter technology are not the only advantages that LG?s Artcool Inverter has over conventional models. LG has also added a three-dimensional airflow system, which provides steadier temperature control throughout the room. Additionally, Artcool Inverter?s ultra-thin body allows it to fit more seamlessly into household interiors.

This new development is expected to significantly increase LGE?s market share in the world air conditioning business. According to a Japanese market research company, Fuji-Keizai Co. Ltd., 62.97 million air conditioning units were sold worldwide in 2006, with LG responsible for 19.5 per cent or 12.28 million units.

?LG?s air-conditioning business has been performing consistently well world wide, and this latest product will add significantly to consumer choice. The quality and innovative technology of the Artcool air conditioners are what makes it so unique, Mr. Jeong added.?