Whirlpool's operations in the Chinese market mainly focus on the washing machine field. The company, which fixes its product prices at CNY 3,000 or so, ranks the fifth place in China in terms of market share. Its refrigerator and washing machine products in China have not ranked on the mainstream list yet.

Whirlpool acquired Maytag in March 2006 at a price of USD 1.8 billion. In April 2008, Whirlpool teamed up with Hisense Kelon Electrical Holdings to set up a joint venture. With an investment of CNY 900 million, the venture is mainly engaged in the research, development, and manufacturing of high-end washing machines and refrigerators.

Source: www.163.com (September 07, 2009)

Units: About 46,000 (1.6 million units were previously recalled March 2009)

Manufacturer: Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa

Hazard: An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns on the refrigerator's compressor, can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 23 additional reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 4 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.

Description: The recall includes certain Maytag(R), Magic Chef(R), Performa by Maytag(R) and Crosley(R) brand side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators. The affected refrigerators were manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel. They have model and serial numbers printed on a label located on the top middle or left upper side of the refrigerator liner and have the following model and serial number combinations:

Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from September 2000 through May 2004 for between about $350 and $1,600.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Maytag to determine if their refrigerator is included in the recall and if so, to schedule a free in-home repair. Consumers should not return the refrigerator to the retailer where it was purchased.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Release # 09-322

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 533-9817

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

"We hope the 'number one' recognition given to the Maytag Bravos washer will help more consumers understand that making the move to HE laundry products does not mean they have to give up their favored top-load format," said Monica Teague, senior public relations manager, Whirlpool Corporation. "Bravos HE top-load washer is an excellent example of Maytag brand's commitment to making durable, dependable appliances that address consumer preferences and save energy and water."

Maytag brand consumers are looking for both dependability and efficiency in their appliances. According to a recent Whirlpool Corporation survey(1), 84 percent of consumers said that energy, not water or time, is most important to them when it comes to home appliance efficiency. As the first top-load to meet Tier III Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE)(2) energy specifications, Maytag Bravos uses up to 67 percent less energy and 70 percent less water as compared to pre-2004 conventional top-loaders. Additionally, its larger capacity allows for larger loads of laundry to be washed, reducing the number of loads of laundry per week which leads to further energy savings.

Durable components and dependable features make up the Bravos pair. A Smooth Balance(TM) Hung Suspension System with Superior Vibration Control allows the washer to operate smoothly and minimize vibration while double balancing rings counter-balance off-balance loads even during an 1100-RPM spin. An impeller wash system with Sensi-Care(TM) technology effectively cleans clothes and the Gentle Breeze(TM) drying system with IntelliDry(R) sensors quickly and efficiently dries clothing.

Select Bravos models offer steam and sanitization features. The sanitary and the super wash cycle are proven to remove at least 95 percent of dust mites and pet dander from clothing, and are an effective alternative to bleach. The Bravos steam dryer offers a variety of cycles to quickly rejuvenate a single item or outfit, to relax wrinkles from clothes left overnight in the dryer, or to refresh and deodorize throw pillows, comforters or curtains.

Maytag Bravos dryers range in suggested retail price of $999 to $1,199 and washers have a suggested retail price of $999 to $1,299. The Maytag Bravos comes with a 10 year limited warranty on the stainless steel wash basket and wash basket motor drive. Maytag Bravos steam dryers and high-efficiency top-load washers are now available at appliance retailers and home improvement stores throughout the United States.

Please visit www.maytag.com for more information.

About Maytag Brand

For more than a century, Maytag brand appliances have been synonymous with dependability and durability. Through the commitment of Whirlpool Corporation, Maytag brand's unequaled tradition of quality production and unrivaled performance continues to thrive. Exceptionally durable, commercial-grade components are found in all Maytag brand appliances - including Maytag(R) Performance Series front-load and Maytag(R) Centennial(R) top-load washers and dryers; Maytag(R) Gemini(R) double-oven range; Maytag(R) Ice2O(R) French-door bottom-freezer refrigerator, the first of its kind with external ice and water; and Maytag(R) Jetclean(R) dishwashers. Maytag brand is part of the Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with 2008 annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 70,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. For more information on any Maytag brand appliance, visit http://www.maytag.com.

(1) This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Whirlpool Corporation between December 29 - 31, 2008 among 2,042 U.S. adults aged 18+. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

(2) CEE Tier system is based on the Department of Energy Consortium for Energy Efficiency ratings. Percentages compared to conventional top-load washers.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation

http://www.maytag.com

The new high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR qualified Maytag Performance Series washer incorporates Dynamic Venting Technology(TM), an industry-first available within the 450, 550 and 950 model washers, incorporating a fan to circulate air to help prevent odor. The Fresh Hold option helps keep freshly laundered clothes from developing sour odors when left in the washer up to 10 hours. Maytag Dynamic Venting Technology, coupled with durable Maytag engineering will provide households with years of reliability, powerful cleaning and fresh laundry.

"Maytag brand's new Performance Series washer with Dynamic Venting Technology addresses one of consumer's toughest laundry problems," said Monica Teague, senior manager of public relations for Whirlpool Corporation. "This new Maytag high efficiency front load washer is part of our continued commitment to bring better built appliances to market and provide our customers with years of superior performance"

The exclusive Fresh Hold(TM) option with Dynamic Venting Technology(TM) starts after the wash cycle is complete. It combines intermittent tumbling action with air circulation from a quiet fan in the rear of the washer to reduce moisture in the load. With this new technology consumers can delay drying for up to ten hours as clothes actually begin to dry while still in the washer. The extraction of moisture while in the washer helps increase the life of the dryer by up to 11.5 percent* and saves energy by decreasing drying time.

In addition to the Maytag Performance Series washer's odor-fighting Dynamic Venting Technology(TM), the machine also offers a variety of standard features to enhance the laundry experience. The Performance Series 450, 550 and 950 model washers come equipped with a 4.5 cu. ft. I.E.C. capacity which accommodates larger loads, for fewer total loads per week. The new Power Wash option, delivers extended wash time, extra cleaning action, higher water temperatures and a deep rinse to better address stains and ground-in dirt.

The Maytag Performance series washer with Dynamic Venting Technology with Fresh Hold will be available Fall 2009 at a suggested retail price starting at $1,299 and comes with a ten year warranty on certain parts. The washer motor and stainless steel wash basket are covered for ten years from the date of purchase. Additionally the fan used in Dynamic Venting Technology is covered by a five year parts warranty. Please visit www.maytag.com for more information.

About Maytag Brand

For more than a century, Maytag brand appliances have been synonymous with dependability and durability. Through the commitment of Whirlpool Corporation, Maytag brand's enduring tradition of quality production and performance continues to thrive. Exceptionally durable, commercial-grade components are found in many Maytag brand appliances - including Maytag(R) Performance Series front-load and Maytag(R) Centennial(R) top-load washers and dryers; Maytag(R) Gemini(R) double-oven range; Maytag(R) Ice2O(R) French-door bottom-freezer refrigerator, the first of its kind with external ice and water; and Maytag(R) Jetclean(R) dishwashers. Maytag brand is part of the Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, 70,000 employees, and 68 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. For more information on any Maytag brand appliance, visit http://www.maytag.com.

* Based on a 12 year average dryer life, when option is used for full 10 hours on an average load for 392 cycles per year.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation

http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com