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By News Reporter
As smart home and electrification technologies emerge as key trends in the home appliance sector, we are seeing an industry-wide shift away from simple product sales to a more service-oriented business model.
Smart home technology simplifies the management of complex devices through a range of helpful automation features. By utilizing insights gained from home appliances and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, the latest smart home tech can better understand customer’s lifestyles and needs. This, in turn, enables the delivery of proactive, tailored services that reduce the burden of household chores. As the technology advances, we move closer to the realization of what LG calls the Zero Labor Home.
*This image is designed to aid understanding of a smart home solution that connects and controls devices within the home (Image Source: Feepik)
Smart home solutions have become a major focus not only for appliance manufacturers but also for IoT, telecommunications, construction and big tech companies. The introduction of smart home standards or protocols, such as Matter,1 is enhancing connectivity between appliances, IoT devices and home systems. Moreover, generative artificial intelligence (AI) and ambient computing2 technologies are making it possible for users to control devices and services through voice commands alone, saving them time and making life at home far more convenient.
*This image was created to aid understanding
One of the leaders in this space, LG recently introduced its latest AI Home solution, offering users the ability to control their home appliances and IoT devices through conversational voice commands. FURON, LG’s generative AI agent and the brain of the AI Home, is able to learn and remember users’ preferences for various devices and apply the appropriate settings in the given situation. Furthermore, LG AI Home connects seamlessly with appliances and IoT devices from a growing number of global brands and integrates flawlessly with various types of apps through ThinQ ON, LG’s AI home hub. The company is continuing to expand its AI Home ecosystem to offer users a broader range of smart home solutions and services.
The transition from fossil fuel to electricity-powered products is a significant global trend – one that is expected to accelerate due to the enforcement of international regulations aimed at mitigating global warming. Boilers are rapidly being replaced by heat pump heating systems, gas ranges by induction cooktops and gas dryers by heat pump dryers. Against this backdrop, LG is actively strengthening its research and development (R&D) programs to discover more efficient and reliable heat pump technologies. These efforts include the recent completion of the company’s “global R&D triangle” to create specialized solutions for cold climates, and the hosting of the Global Heat Pump Consortium, which was founded by LG in collaboration with international universities.
*This image was created to aid understanding
Moving forward, electrification technology will evolve into smart home energy solutions that optimize energy generation, storage and usage within the home. Ultimately, this evolution will give rise to living environments whose occupants can enjoy convenient cooking, heating and cooling – and a dependable supply of hot water – while simultaneously reducing household energy consumption and environmental impacts.
Known for its expertise in smart life solutions, LG has always emphasized the importance of innovation. LG’s core technologies, including the linear compressor (refrigerators), Direct Drive motor and TrueSteam technology (washing machines, Styler), and dual rotary and scroll compressors (air conditioners), have played a crucial role in the company’s rise to leadership in the global home appliance market. Looking ahead, the role of LG’s R&D division will be even more vital in discovering new electrification and smart home technologies. Through a commitment to excellence and a spirit of inquiry, LG will continue to lead the way to a better future.
By Oh Sai-kee, Head of LG Electronics Home Appliance and Air Solution R&D Center
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1 A smart home and IoT device connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). Matter enables seamless interoperability between smart devices and platforms from diverse ecosystems.
2 Ambient computing refers to technology that is able operate invisibly in the background, blending into the environment and working automatically without users noticing its presence. Also referred to as “invisible computing” or “disappearing computing”.
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By News Reporter
Putting words into action is a critical component of LG’s Life’s Good motto. This has manifested itself across a wide range of activations in the U.S., most recently as part of LG Electronics USA’s partnership with the New York Yankees, one of the most recognized and successful sports franchises in the world.
As
link hidden, please login to view the LG OLED brand has been infused throughout iconic Yankee Stadium. Recently, LG expanded its partnership to include a cause-related component that will benefit the community around the stadium. This effort will support renovations at Elston Gene Howard Field, which sits across the street from the current Yankee Stadium on the site of the original Yankee Stadium. LG’s donation of USD 50,000 will assist in upgrades to the three ballfields at the location, which is utilized by the Bronx community and the Yankees’ Summer Night Lights program.
During an on-field ceremony at Yankee Stadium prior to the Yankees-Red Sox game on September 12, LG USA CEO Chris Jung presented a check to NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte and Administrative Parks and Recreation Manager Clinton Johnson.
“We believe in investing in the communities where we live and work. This collaboration with the New York Yankees enables us to improve these fields for the benefit of the youth of New York City,” said LG Electronic USA CEO Chris Jung. “Creating an environment where children can enjoy positive experiences helps ensure ‘Life’s Good’ in their community and provides a tremendous asset to their growth and development.”
“LG has been a tremendous partner, and they are employing that same forward-looking, collaborative spirit toward the Bronx community, which utilizes Elston Gene Howard Field extensively throughout the year,” said Yankees Senior Vice President of Corporate/Community Relations Brian Smith. “This donation will positively impact thousands of Bronx residents who rely on the park for exercise, recreation and team sports, including the children who participate in the Yankees’ Summer Night Lights programming. We salute LG’s contribution and look forward to seeing the benefits of their donation bear fruit for many years to come.”
Having just completed its second season, Summer Night Lights serves approximately 300 children and teenagers from the Bronx between the ages of 12 and 18 who take part in tournament-style, co-ed baseball and softball games on Tuesday and Wednesday nights throughout July and August. The program is designed to keep area young people engaged in recreation and character-promoting activities on summer evenings, when midweek organized activities for young people are difficult to find.
Contributed by LG USA
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By News Reporter
Although stress is a natural feeling that affects everyone, managing it has become increasingly difficult in today’s digital age. Recognizing this, LG Taiwan recently organized a special forum to help local customers address their anxiety and better manage stress, as part of the global “Optimism your feed” campaign and “Life’s Good with Optimism” initiative.
In the build up to this forum, LG Taiwan launched a psychological test on its Instagram page, aimed at raising awareness about social media-induced anxiety. This initiative helped followers gain a better understanding of the stress they experience from their digital lives.
Held on August 10, the forum featured esteemed psychologist Dr. Hui-Wen Deng and renowned YouTube film critic “Lessons from Movies.” They shared their professional insights and experiences on how social media impacts mental health and provided attendees with practical strategies to manage stress and maintain optimism, aligning with LG’s Life’s Good philosophy.
Dr. Deng explored the negative psychological effects of social media, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like LG’s “Optimize your feed” to help people navigate their online lives without feeling overwhelmed by anxiety.
The event also featured the host of popular YouTube channel “Lessons from Movies,” who shared her personal experiences as a key opinion leader, offering valuable techniques to embrace optimism in the face of criticism.
This event was a hit, with over 100 sign-ups within just half a day and nearly 80 percent of attendees participating in the interactive Q&A session that was held on the day. Many sought advice on how to overcome challenges and maintain an optimistic outlook on life, with many hailing the event as a source of useful information. One guest asked if either of the speakers would be collaborating with LG Taiwan on similar events in the future, or if LG Taiwan had more activities promoting “Optimism” in the works, suggesting a strong desire for more events like this.
On site, Instagrammable photo props and check-in gifts were provided to encourage participants to share their experience with friends and followers via social media. And as they left eager to try out the new techniques they had learned, LG handed out stress-relief fortune cookies and stress balls to each person in the hope of leaving a lasting positive impression and giving them constant reminder of its Life’s Good message.
LG Taiwan’s stress forum not only highlighted the importance of optimism in today’s digital world but also reinforced the brand’s dedication to enriching people’s lives. By providing valuable insights and practical advice on managing stress, LG is helping people navigate the complexities of their online lives, while promoting a message that Life’s Good every day, not just on the good days.
Contributed by LG Taiwan
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By News Reporter
Driving Business Portfolio Innovation to Maximize the Potential of Key Business Areas
and Advance B2B, Platform-Based and Emerging Ventures
SEOUL, Aug. 21, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is rapidly evolving into a “Smart Life Solution Company” by leveraging its decades of customer insight, manufacturing expertise and technological prowess as a leader in home appliances. As part of its mid- to long-term strategy, “Future Vision 2030,” LG is committed to ongoing transformation and growth.
On August 21, LG hosted an investor forum at LG Sciencepark in Seoul, bringing together domestic and international investors and analysts. During the event, CEO William Cho outlined the company’s progress and strategic direction since the announcement of Future Vision 2030 last year, emphasizing key achievements. The forum was also streamed live on
link hidden, please login to view. In addition to CEO William Cho, the event was attended by CFO Kim Chang-tae, CSO Lee Sam-soo and other top executives responsible for key business areas such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), webOS content & services and subscription business. The event aimed to communicate the progress and plans of LG’s mid- to long-term strategy directly to the market, ensuring greater transparency.
Following the announcement of the 2030 Future Vision and the shareholders’ meeting, LG continues to engage with the market and stakeholders through direct communication from the CEO and key business leaders, as demonstrated in this investor forum.
Under the Future Vision 2030 plan, LG aims to become a “Smart Life Solution Company” by connecting and enhancing customer experiences across various living spaces, including homes, commercial environments, mobility and virtual platforms. To achieve this, the company plans to accelerate the transformation of its business portfolio towards a more future-oriented model. The goal is to achieve the “Triple Seven” targets: a 7 percent average growth rate, 7 percent operating profit and an enterprise multiple (EV/EBITDA) of 7.
At the event, LG shared its interim financial progress under Future Vision 2030, revealing an 8 percent increase in revenue, a 6 percent operating profit and a fourfold growth in EV/EBITDA compared to the previous year, based on the first half of this year’s business performance (excluding LG Innotek).
“Over the past year, we have been steadily laying the foundation for achieving our future vision, and we take pride in creating ‘structural changes’ and ‘sustainable outcomes’ in various areas,” said CEO Cho. “With strong confidence and a sense of responsibility, we will continue to advance towards our goals.”
Four Strategic Directions for Business Portfolio Innovation
CEO Cho detailed LG’s approach to business portfolio innovation, focusing on four key directions: maximizing the full potential of existing key businesses, expanding platform-based service models, accelerating the growth of B2B and fostering New-to-LGE businesses.
The first direction of maximizing the full potential of current businesses involves a strategy to overcome the limitations of mature core businesses, such as home appliances and TVs. This includes integrating subscription services into its home appliance offerings and expanding direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales channels, providing customers with more choices and enhanced experiences.
CEO Cho explained that these efforts are leading to steady growth and profit generation in core businesses, which serve as cash cows for the company. Despite a double-digit decline in the Korean home appliance market, LG’s domestic appliance sales are on the rise, driven by the creation of new demand through subscription services. In addition, overseas home appliance sales have grown more than 1.5 times faster than the market average over the past three years, driven by expanded product and price lines and D2C sales.
Second, expanding platform-based service models focuses on leveraging the hundreds of millions of LG products sold worldwide as a platform to generate revenue from content, advertising and services. A prime example is LG Home Entertainment Company’s TV business, which aims to accelerate the webOS advertising and content business with the goal of transforming the company into a media and entertainment platform powerhouse. Since 2018, the annual growth rate of the webOS platform-based advertising and content business has reached 64 percent.
In terms of accelerating the growth of B2B businesses, LG is achieving significant results in areas such as vehicle components, HVAC and smart factories. These advancements are closely aligned with market inflection points like digitalization and electrification. LG aims to increase the B2B share of its total revenue to over 45 percent by 2030. The B2B share, which was 27 percent in 2021, has already risen to 35 percent in the first half of this year.
LG’s vehicle component solutions business has secured an order backlog exceeding KRW 100 trillion (USD 74 billion), with sales of high-value products like digital cockpits growing rapidly. The company is also expanding its global production footprint to support this growth. In the HVAC sector, LG leads the high-efficiency market with its advanced inverter and heat pump technologies, and it is actively targeting the cooling systems market for AI data centers, where demand is surging. LG also has plans to expand its smart factory business into industries with rising factory automation needs, such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and food & beverages.
The company continues to invest in promising new business areas that will serve as the foundation for future growth. In the commercial robotics sector, LG is focusing on securing AI-driven, software-defined robotics capabilities. For the electric vehicle charging business, LG is collaborating with leading global partners to seize business opportunities.
Portfolio Innovation Yields Emerging Unicorn Ventures
LG also highlighted the success and growth potential of key businesses that have become core engines of the company’s future growth, showcasing significant results from its portfolio innovation.
“Inspired by the term ‘unicorn’ used to describe ventures valued at over KRW 1 trillion (USD 740 million) in the market, we refer to new business models generating annual sales of over KRW 1 trillion (USD 740 million) as ‘unicorn businesses,’” said CEO Cho. “Our home appliance subscription service surpassed KRW 1 trillion (USD 740 million) in annual sales last year, securing its status as a ‘unicorn business.’ Additionally, several seed businesses, which are expected to become the next unicorns in the near future, are accelerating their growth.”
Home Appliance Subscription Business Achieves Unicorn Status
LG is pioneering a paradigm shift in the home appliance business by combining services with its home appliances through a subscription model. Unlike traditional product-centric models that generate one-time sales, the subscription model maintains ongoing customer relationships, offering optimized care services post-purchase, thereby generating continuous revenue.
Last year, the subscription business achieved KRW 1.134 trillion (approximately USD 840 million) in annual revenue, marking a 33 percent growth over the previous year and securing its place as a unicorn business. This growth is accelerating, with revenue expected to rise by nearly 60 percent this year to exceed KRW 1.8 trillion (USD 1.3 billion).
The rapid growth of LG’s home appliance subscription business is driven by its ability to meet diverse customer needs. Customers can lower their initial purchase burden and maintain their appliances in top condition with expert care services for the desired duration, with free services provided during the subscription period. Customer responses highlight the high value of the subscription business, with its share of LG’s domestic home appliance sales rising from 15 percent last year to over 20 percent this year.
webOS-Based Advertising & Content Business Set to Become the Next Unicorn
LG’s webOS-based advertising and content business leverages millions of devices worldwide as a platform to generate additional revenue streams. This year, revenue is expected to exceed KRW 1 trillion (USD 740 million), a fourfold increase compared to 2021. To sustain this rapid growth, LG is focusing on expanding its customer base, diversifying revenue models and strengthening business capabilities.
In platform businesses, the more devices that use the platform, the larger the business scale becomes. LG has sold approximately 220 million smart TVs over the past decade. In addition, LG licenses its webOS to external companies lacking their own operating systems, with non-LG brands having sold over 10 million webOS TVs. The webOS platform is also expanding beyond TVs to include automotive infotainment and smart appliances, with the company securing leading global OEMs as clients for its in-vehicle infotainment systems.
LG provides a variety of content via webOS, operating revenue models based on advertising and services. A prime example is LG Channels, a free, ad-supported streaming service offering over 3,800 channels in 29 countries. LG plans to diversify its services into high-growth areas such as gaming, personalized shopping and Transactional Video On Demand.
To bolster its webOS platform capabilities, LG plans to invest over KRW 1 trillion (USD 740 million) by 2027. The company will continue collaborating with more than 4,000 global content partners and expand tailored advertising solutions through its data analytics subsidiary, Alphonso.
Chiller Business Targets AI Data Center Cooling Market: On Track to Become a Unicorn in Three Years
LG’s HVAC business offers a broad portfolio, ranging from residential air conditioners to commercial systems for large buildings, schools, public institutions and industrial facilities. This is one of LG’s fastest-growing core businesses, driven by market trends like decarbonization and electrification.
The chiller business, which provides cooling solutions for large buildings, has seen new opportunities as global tech giants increase demand for data centers amid the AI boom. Over the past three years, LG’s chiller business has achieved an average annual growth rate of over 15 percent, with overseas sales more than doubling during the same period.
LG plans to leverage its extensive experience in supplying chillers to power plants, data centers and other facilities, along with its high-efficiency core technologies, to actively target the data center cooling market. In addition, LG is preparing to commercialize new solutions, such as liquid immersion cooling, which are gaining traction in the market.
“By 2030, 50 Percent of Total Sales and 75 Percent of Operating Profit Will Come from B2B, Platform-Based and New Businesses”
To achieve its mid- to long-term goals outlined in Future Vision 2030, LG will consistently drive business portfolio innovation. The company aims to generate 50 percent of total sales and 75 percent of operating profit from three key focus areas: expanding platform-based services, accelerating the growth of B2B and nurturing New-to-LGE businesses.
“These goals are rapidly becoming a reality,” said CEO Cho. “We will ensure that LG’s new value proposition is recognized by all stakeholders, securing sustainable growth and profitability over the long term.”
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* Amounts in Korean won (KRW) are translated into U.S. dollars (USD) at the average rate for the six-month period of the year 2024 — KRW 1,349.55 per USD.
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By News Reporter
For the seventh consecutive year, LG served as the exclusive technology partner of CASACOR SP, the Americas’ leading cultural platform for architecture, landscaping, art and interior design. The 37th edition of CASACOR was held in São Paulo, where LG showcased an impressive array of 180 products across 45 inspiring spaces. Reaching record attendance with an estimated 128,000 visitors, CASCOR 2024 was hosted in one of the most important architectural landmarks in the city. Designed 63 years ago by architect David Libeskind, the venue features more than 10,000 square meters of built area.
To mark the occasion, over 80 journalists and influencers were invited to Casa Ñe’é LG, the company’s launch event house, which featured the most innovative creations in the market today. Designed by respected architect Nildo José, the 377-square-meter brand space offered a profound reflection on what makes us human. The Né’é in Casa Ñe’é LG is Guarani – a language of the indigenous group of South America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia) – meaning “soul,” representing the vital spirit that sustains life and the essence of everything.
The hall’s welcoming atmosphere came in large part from the company’s stylish ARTCOOL Gallery air conditioner and expansive screen, which is comprised of four Transparent OLED displays that leverage several million self-illuminating pixels to illustrate the project’s story in unprecedented detail.
The living room featured LG OLED M3, the world’s first-ever wireless TV. This stunning 97-inch TV comes with the Zero Connect Box, which wirelessly transmits video and audio signals at 4K 120Hz via a fast Wi-Fi connection. The M3 also boasts LG’s One Wall Design, allowing it to mount flush to the wall for a heightened sense of sophistication.
Also on display was the newest LG OLED evo C4, equipped with the AI α9 Gen 7 that significantly enhances performance. In line with LG’s renowned lineup of OLED TVs, this model also features the ultra-slim One Wall Design for a minimalist look and feel.
Casa Ñe’é LG was fully equipped with all the essential appliances: LG InstaView Side by Side smart refrigerator with Craft Ice, LG NeoChef microwave with exclusive Scan to Cook feature, LG Studio electric oven and the InstaView stove.
Top architect Leticia Nannetti was tasked with designing the laundry room with functionality at its core. She delivered this by beautifully integrating the LG WashTower, a premium appliance that fosters moments of interaction, into the interior design to harmonize with the ambiance, evoke sentimental memories and celebrate diversity.
In Isabela Akkari’s healthy café, Flávia Burin and Bruna Monetti of Studio HA sought to answer the question: ‘What ancestors do we want to be?’ With this reflection, the exceptionally talented architects created a space that values beauty and offers hope, using warm shades of pink, fluid forms, fabric ceilings and settings that encourage closeness between people.
Led by chef Isabela Akkari, the cafe not only promoted healthy eating but also featured all of LG’s cutting-edge technology. This includes the Smart LG Inverter Inverse Refrigerator, one of the most economical inverse refrigerators on the market; the LG Grill NeoChef microwave, the only microwave with connectivity; and the LG InstaView Stove, which lights up the interior with just two touches.
Open to visitors until July 28 at São Paulo’s Conjunto Nacional, Casa Ñe’é LG was a great demonstration of how LG’s innovative products can be incorporated into beautiful spaces, providing technological solutions that make daily life simpler and even more efficient.
Contributed by LG Brazil
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