Unilever joins hands with washing machine makers to help housewives in their washing. — VNS Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) – Unilever Viet Nam Co's Omo brand has teamed up with seven washing machine manufacturer to launch the "Omo Matic Solution," which will help the general public use the machines more efficiently and save costs.

The seven manufacturers are Panasonic, LG, Electrolux, Maytag, Sanyo, Toshiba and Bosch.

The company is spending VND15 billion (US$714,285) on the first year of promoting the brand.

Jayaraman Vaidyaraman, general director of Unilever Viet Nam, said the "Omo Matic Solution" was part of Unilever Global's commitment to lifestyle improvement in Viet Nam.

The solution will be a free service to help customers clear doubts and questions relating to the use of washing machines, including proper use and maintenance, he said.

The company already has a free 24/07 hotline at 1900-1272 to answer the general public's questions. Its website www.omovietnam.com can also be accessed for information.

Washing machines have become increasingly popular in Viet Nam over the last decade. In 2003, 32 per cent of the households in urban areas used the machines; this increased to 72 per cent in 2012 and is forecast to increase to 75 per cent by 2015, which is equivalent to over five million washing machines.

In rural areas, the use has increased from five per cent in 2008 to 12 per cent in 2012.

Takuro Teruya, marketing director of Toshiba Viet Nam, said the average cost for replacing washing machine parts in Viet Nam is VND1-3 million per family per year.

Consumers can save this cost if they know how to use and maintain the machines properly, he said. — VNS