KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Haier Electrical Appliances (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (HEAM), distributor of Haier electrical products, hopes to rake in RM100 million in sales for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2006, compared with RM60 million previously.Its executive director, Lye Hun Kwee said the sales target would be driven by its four main products namely washing machine, LCD TV, refrigerator and air conditioner."We have already studied the products and are confident that it would drive our goal this year.

    Currently, we are enjoying double digit market share in electrical appliances," he told reporters after launching Haier's latest washing machine, "Natural Wash with Double Drive", here Wednesday.Currently, Haier Electrical distributes its products through a network of 450 dealers in the country.On the new washing machine, he said the company hoped to sell 10,000 units this year.The new washing machine is said to be the world's first natural washing machine as it uses an electrolysis technology which breaks down water into negative and positive ions that act as natural detergents to clean clothes.

    There would be no need to use detergents.The washing machine which is a seven kilogramme to-loader machine is priced at RM3,999 per unit and would be available in the market starting next month.On another note, Lye said the company also planned to launch more new products in the Malaysian market this year which would include five more models of washing machines and a few models of LCD television sets and refrigerators."Malaysia represents a key market in Haier's global growth as we expand into Southeast Asia. We are focused in our vision to be among the top three brand names by 2010," he added.

    Incorporated in 2002, HEAM is a joint venture between Haier Electrical Appliances Corp Ltd China and Basswinn Sdn Bhd with a share of 55 percent and 45 percent respectively.Besides distributing Haier's product, the company also deals with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products and provide underline products to the local retail business and for export.-- BERNAMA