Markets: Global AC expansion

AC shipments hid a record high of 70.6 million units in 2006. US growth was particularly marked: 9 million room air conditioners (RACs) were shipped, this being 11% more than in 2005. Japan shipped 7.5 million RACs (0.5% increase compared with 2005) and 800 000 packaged air conditioners (PACs). In Europe, overall growth was 10% in 2006 and 7 countries (Spain, Italy, Turkey, Russia, France, Greece and the UK) account for 81% of the total AC market. Fastest growth is occurring in Turkey (1.2 million units in 2006, up 58% compared with 2005) and Russia.