Beijing, March 25 (Xinhua) China’s total air conditioner sales rose 26.7 percent in the first two months of this year, to 11.343 million units, the China Securities Journal reported.
Experts ascribed the rise to rapid domestic sales growth, which was partly supported by the upcoming Olympic Games.
In January and February, domestic air conditioner sales soared to 4.07 million units, up 41.4 percent year-on-year, according to a commercial website, www.chinaccm.com.
It’s been estimated that the Games in August would help drive up domestic air conditioner sales 18 percent this year.
Also, the stronger yuan and barriers to some foreign markets meant that Chinese air conditioner makers were emphasising domestic sales with stepped-up design and marketing efforts.
Wang Youning, an executive of the leading home appliance maker Haier, said: “Our company has tried to raise sales by brand building, expanding sales channels and utilising Olympics-related opportunities.”