Not enough people are aware of inverter air conditioners in China. Spreading the word on inverters and getting more energy-efficient products to market will increase our sales and help mitigate our environmental impact.

That is why we take part in trade fairs and other exhibitions that let more consumers learn about inverter products.

Wang Weibin Manager, Brand Promotion Department, Daikin (China) Investment Co., Ltd.

Conventional heat pumps lose their heating capacity and energy efficiency when outside temperatures drop. To solve this problem, we developed the VRV, which dramatically boosts heating capacity and energy efficiency when outside temperatures are low.

Compared with standard heat pumps, products with this technology use energy 30% more efficiently, consume up to 22% less electricity, and generate up to 22% fewer CO2 emissions. This environmental performance was recognized with Energy Conservation Prize, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Director-General's award in fiscal 2007.

Yasuhiro Endo Product Planning Department, Air Conditioning Sales Division Daikin Industries, Ltd.

For Corporate Customers Who Demand
Greater Energy Efficiency: Air Conditioner
Leases with Emissions Credits

When we offer leases on our energy-efficient air conditioners, we give customers the option of CO2 emissions credits. The emissions credits that we obtain from overseas are divided up among the products we lease, with carbon offsets canceling out the CO2 that is emitted during product use. These emission credits essentially cancel out the emitted CO2, so that the net CO2 emissions are zero.

Public recognition of VRV III has continued to grow since we introduced it to the U.S. market in 2005. Last year's sales were double those of the previous year, a testament to the growing interest in saving energy through air conditioning.

In order to show end users, architects, and contractors in the relatively conservative U.S. market how much more energy-efficient the VRV III is than existing systems, we are combining it with standard ducted indoor units to create an integrated ducted VRV III system that is spawning a dynamic new market with features like inverters, heat pumps, and individual room control.

Russell Tavolacci Vice President, Daikin AC (Americas) Inc.

European summers used to be comfortable but in recent years heat waves hit Europe occasionally. Growing needs for cooling may end up increasing the burden on the global environment.

In order to achieve a balance between comfort and less energy use, we are strongly promoting inverter air conditioners in the EU market. Products with inverters make up 90% of our sales of split room air conditioners. By 2011, we aim to increase this ratio to 100%.

Patrick Crombez Co-Department Manager, Sales & Marketing Planning Department, Daikin Europe N.V.

A great advantage of the new heat pump for hot water heaters and heating systems is that it offers high performance yet emits little CO2. The product also provides air conditioning and can be connected to solar water heaters. Its inverter technology achieves a new level of energy efficiency.

In France, Daikin promoted these multiple functions with high-profile television commercials for the new heat pump system and the government offered tax breaks on the purchase of this product. The result has been brisk business for Daikin.

Scene from a television commercial for the residential-use, air to water heating pump system

François Deroche Marketing Manager, Daikin Airconditioning France S.A.S.