Electrolux vacuums to become extinct?

Wondering what you all think are the future chances that Electrolux, now that it has sold off it's Eureka vacuum cleaner division (which I believe co-created and manufactured all Electrolux vacuums during the past few decades) to Midea from China, will continue it's legacy product line of good to excellent vacuum cleaners.

I know it's overly sentimental, (and I have no vested interests in Electrolux except for my appreciation of their industry innovations over the years...up to and including the UltraOne, UltraFlex ,and UltraCaptic machines), but I think Electrolux's absence in the future vacuum marketplace will not be filled.

It's a niche that they filled...a high brand recognition association (and mid-priced affordable product) with the expectation of high quality; that has lately been delivered in gorgeous product design and performance, but not high craftsmanship or durability; which did seem a perfect match to today's consumer acceptance of planned obsolescence appliances that perform well during their limited lifespan.

It seems like such a waste of decades of their work to discontinue advancing what we all here on Vacuumland consider as the quest for better and more advanced, more powerful, and more hygienic vacuum cleaners and for them to lock up, perhaps forever, all the design and engineering research that was learned and refined since Lux AB originated and that Electrolux/Eureka continued to research and develop up until very recently. Their absence would create a vacuum in which a strong competition to challenge and win market share is necessary to push forward new innovations in a future marketplace.

I believe the new Miele Blizzard, released recently and years after the Electrolux's UltraCaptic and UltraFlex, used the same technology...seemingly improving on what Electrolux created with a separated dust bin from the cyclone which sits on top of the machine horizontally. I thought that was revolutionary at the time. Not quiet sure how I feel about Miele's rotating pre-motor filter. It actually reminds me of my Hoover Z's in which the rotating filters were tapped constantly to theoretically remove the fine collected into dust into a collection bin, but never really worked well as the tapper was too gentle to be effective.

I think it's actually irresponsible of Electrolux to not take the bull by the horns and promote pro-actively, if they are developing, any upcoming vacuum releases and to just leave their customer base hanging like this. Not cool.

Also, what will happen to the availability of parts and filters, if they have no longer interest in keeping vacuum customers loyal?

Has anyone heard anything about their continuing to produce Vacs in the future?

What do you all think? A loss to our community and to the creative competition of higher end machines which keep advancing technology and in their efficacy of one of our most iconic appliances in our homes? [this post was last edited: 4/23/2018-01:12]

Already are extinct

The Cyclone Power, and Oxygen line were the final products from the Vastervik plant in Sweden, early 2000's.
There was also Volta.
Enter Hungary; the machines out of Hungary have mostly Chinese electronics and pressure transducer parts, and were troublesome. The Oxygen 3 sold by Lowes, etc, were junk.
Now Aerus vacuum's and the Lux line in Europe are like the older designs.
Aerus is not AB Electrolux, so I don't think they are going away.
The Swedish concern made Electrolux USA change it's name because they wanted to brand major appliances built by Fridgidaire as upscale Electrolux. Would you buy a pricey white good appliance made by a vacuum cleaner company, say Shark, for example? Aside from Miele that is.
So Electrolux USA divested and became Aerus. Electrolux home appliances are owned by AB E-Lux, assembled in Canada, and laundry equipment in South Carolina by Electrolux home products.
The Assistant food processor, and commercial cooking and laundry equipment is still made in Sweden, at least I think so.
The Wallenberg family maintains the majority of share stock, like the Ford family does with Ford Motor Co.

I agree. Good riddance on"Electrolux" and long live Aerus.


 


Kevin

Mike, thanks for the very interesting detailed history on the brand. I am impressed by another enthusiast's knowledge!

I knew some of what you layed out, but learned some new things as well... I actually looked up and found a video (attached) of the Cyclone Power! So cool, but still using the in-line configuration, that is still used by Aerus today, which, albeit classic, hasn't advanced the industry with any new direction or evolvement of what we can now manufacture with advanced knowledge of motor technology and air flow, better machine weight distribution, and maneuverability.

It appears that when Aerus, who apparently was originally formed solely as the distribution company for Electrolux, divested the Electrolux name, but not the original streamlined architecture of the wonderful early models, it seems they never until this day thought to expand and be creative to compete with other popular brands like Dyson, who really reimagined and tested other configuration's efficacy, i.e. DC39 et al, and were able to capture a large market share by doing so.

I remember studying some tenants of Architecture, namely "form follows function", which seems common sense and, what Aerus has still adhered to, is clearly still used today. This configuration, although recently re-imagined by Dyson in the new V10.

I do understand the dilution of the original contributions given by the original Electrolux, and really think that the later models, like the Ultra Active, Ultra One, etc. have advanced using updated design styles while hopefully adhering to the purpose of a vacuum which is performance in all regards. I really think they added to that conversation, wherein Aerus has not contributed. For example, it appears that the first separated cyclone and dustbin were in the UltraFlex and UltraCaptic.. this seems to be copied currently by Miele in the Blizzard, and Hoover in the Air Pro Canister. What I deduce, is that aside from advancement the "new" Electrolux namesake made in appearance, albeit cheaper construction, they still advanced to the point of being imitated in what are still current alternate configuration releases by other companies.

Surely, that is not a good riddance scenario!

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlMDHf1eF2o

This is predicated on the assumption that today's vacuum examples like the Dyson technology you mentioned are 'better" than what you consider 'dated' technology. I think if you put it to the membership here for a vote, the 'dated' technology would win hands done...especially the top-rated Aerus tanks.


 


At the end of the day, there is no substitute for suction and CFM....no matter how much gleaming plastic you use and no matter what claims are made.


 


The modern Swedes are notorious for consolidating and ruining marques. Electrolux Group AB in the late 70's essentially bought out all the major Euro chainsaw brands except Stihl.  Most of those brands disappeared and only a few were left standing. Then they went about cheapening what they decided to push onto the market place. The older saws, much like the vacs,  bring top dollar today and were wonderfully engineered.


 


Kevin

Kevin, your response is predicated on the assumption that I didn't consider classic tech. as worthwhile. So, in your thesis, a Model T would be better than a new car because it was heaver, hand made, and more identifiable as a classic. No?

Also, if the Aerus tank configuration were the best then many vacs on the market today would echo that format. Where do you see that happening... Miele? No!

I am happy to respectfully agree to disagree, but you seem to have implied that all I'm looking for was shiny plastic. Where in my intelligent dissertations is that even mentioned? I'm talking about using computers and other deducing equipment to analyze what is stronger, better, and more user friendly. Those technologies didn't exist when the original "tank" canister was invented...so why stick to that?

Finally, you're also inferring that classic Aerus/Electrolux machines inherently have more suction and higher CFM. Is that an existing quantifiable measurement that you have apples to apples? You seem to be coming across as a fan boy (total enthusiast that counterpoints any criticism of something regardless of merit presented) for that brand and not considering my pertinent posed questions at all.

I owned 2 classic Swedish manufactured Saabs, before GM bastardized them and then sold the company. Saab invented many still used technologies offered in most other cars today.. i.e. traction control.

I do understand and agree that perhaps the Sweeds do dilute their masterpieces.. So, even there you see how what a good set of brains (i.e. current Electrolux vacuum engineers) can create for other companies to mimic..e.g. why on earth would Miele, a better materials made product, then work off of and improve based off the Ultraflex for their first ever bagless to utilize the configuration I spoke of with a cyclone separated from the dust bin that seemingly, unless I'm mistaken, Electrolux developed first? Seems they must have thought it had merit.

Also, manufacturing things in mass and making them affordable to more people improves more lives in total than sticking with a less affordable priced well made classic as you are promoting.

Who did more business this past year? Electrolux or Aerus. Of course there is a market for high end well made and ultimately durable products, but that thesis is not necessarily what the majority of Vacuumland users are looking for. We are not all at that income level...so all brands and price points should be viewed comparatively on performance levels and not directly to a the pen-ultimate vacuum that you imply is the Aerus/classic Electrolux!

But please remember that I too was enamoured with vintage Electrolux products! They were gorgeous and coveted! I just don't think their contributions to the industry ended until they just now sold off Eureka.[this post was last edited: 4/24/2018-16:54]

Not at all....I just think you're on a train to Hell complimenting Dyson technology. I don't think any real technological advances have been made in vaccums in the last 25yrs. Just because something is massed produced, doesn't make it a 'good' product as anybody over 40 can tell you. Selling a vac @Walmart for $400 doesn't make it a good vac...quite the contrary.


 


No, not really just a fan boy of the older technology.  Quality Euro vacs today cost $$$ and the masses are definitely not buying them. Agreed there are very good vacs on the market today, but other than varible speed, electronic circuits and convienence features, were back to the same constant; CFM/suction, plus much better filtration for allergies.


 


Vintage vacs of great designs are an alternative to the upper end vacs today that most can't afford. This the the critical part of my argument and I believe that vintage vacs (except for filtration) can hold their own or defeat  any vac products for the masses. 


 


CFM and suction are easily measurable at the tank/canister/upright....not voodoo or mystery science. Lots of people in here to do it and quite accurately/vigorously.


 


Kevin


 


 


 

The original Electrolux company is Lux International of Switzerland. It united with AB Elektromekaniska in 1919 to form Electrolux—AB Lux was the manufacturer and AB Elektromekaniska the financier. Those two companies dissolved their union in 1998, so AB Electrolux's vacuum cleaners over the last twenty years have likely only been influenced by the Eureka Company's research and design; along with Broan in more recent years.

Aerus began in 1924 as the U.S. subsidiary of AB Electrolux; the Canadian subsidiary began in 1931 and merged with the U.S. company in 1985. Canadian production was discontinued in October 1987 as a result of NAFTA. (Btw, products designed and/or made in Canada after the merger bear the Canadian wordmark—bold serif Electrolux caps—instead of the familiar U.S. logo with the serif Electrolux caps inside a floor tool shape).

Lux International is still going strong. And, it seems that it's the parent company of Aerus LLC, because when you go to the LI website and click on the U.S. office Aerus's contact information is displayed.

That connection is the only reason I think Aerus will continue its vacuum cleaner line. If it weren't for LI, Aerus wouldn't have had the Lux Guardian Ultra or the current Lux Guardian Platinum; instead it would have only had its nearly 25-year-old Guardian (Renaissance) line and its over 35-year-old Lux Legacy (E-2000 with the onboard caddy) and Lux Classic (E-Special) lines, which were designed by Electrolux Canada, Inc. None of those cleaners have been sealed for HEPA filtration or were upgraded with 21st century technology.

I talked to an Aerus francisee and was told that his location is the only one in the state that has remained open. The others are still listed on the Aerus website, but their phone lines are being rerouted to his location. He also mentioned that most Aerus stores no longer work on motors or have access to parts (the only ones that do are using up their overstock). As a result, motors are simply replaced instead of being repaired. So Aerus is not the industry leader it was some time before the company's name change.

There is some type of connection between Aerus and AB Electrolux, because Joe Urso sits on an Electrolux board according to his online profile.

Many don't realize that ABE not only bought the brand back from Aerus in 1998 but also reclaimed a significant amount of Aerus's production in 2004, including the tank vacuum cleaner lines which were made at the Eureka plant. The uprights were made in partnership with ProTeam, Inc. until 2013. Besides some upright parts Aerus's production included the Lux Floor Pro (not sure about accessories) and vacuum cleaner attachments. Those were discontinued in 2016 and outsourced; perhaps also to ABE or Tacony Corporation. The Lite by Aerus vacuum cleaner line, heaters, water purifiers, and air purifiers are all rebrands. Motors and electrical components of the standard vacuum cleaner lines, Sidekicks, Little Luxes, and Floor Pros have been supplied by JEI of Hong Kong since 2004.

Good deductions

Bill, Kevin and Paul.
Electrolux AB bought Eureka in 1974, and ran it fine until the 90's. It seems all old factories have closed up. The next for the axe was the Greenville Michigan former Gibson refrigerator plant, bought by them with White Consolidated along with Frigidaire in the 80's.
As for Saab, as a smaller company, it became more and more difficult to stand alone with more and more global competition. So many brands and choices available, for less money.
Had GM allowed them more engineering input, things may have gone differently.
They have built fighter jets for decades after all.
GM is/was also known for ruining things. Their own things in fact even.
GM insisted Saab use the global/Opel epsilon I platform. Also identical switches, plastics quality, etc. as Opel. This may have not faired well with drivers.
Next was the experiment to market a Saab built Cadillac in Europe only, as a front drive Epsilon based BLS. Also no different mechanically than an Opel Vectra. It failed to sell well.
Next came the Troll Blazer, from Dayton Ohio. Merely a Chevrolet Trail Blazer/Buick Ranier with a Saab front end treatmnt. The 5.3 litre V8 these had were prone to fluid leaks.
So, GM bean counters pulled the plug on Trollhaten, as they did with Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Saturn.
Maybe the Chinese are smarter to keep allowing Volvo engineers and management run Volvo. We shall see. Maybe not perfect cars, but still among the best.
When they needed a 4 or 5 speed automatic, rather than invest millions to develop their own, they bought them from Toyota.

@kevin, I admit I'm a novice, with strong middle-aged opinions (53 y/o next month), I'm afraid, even though I played with vacs since I was a kid back in the 70s and feel like I know more fact than I do. You make a great point how older reconditioned vacs certainly are a good option for those on a budget, per se. Good point. Also, I have two dysons, the DC39 was given to me by a neighbor who was moving and I took it to one of their dedicated service centers for a cleaning and refurbishing (just over $100US), and got the bug on it's quietness and on their unusual attachment selection and interesting design of those attachments. My second was a compact DC47 I got factory reconditioned that I keep unused and pristine as a Vacuum art piece on a display shelf, but have never turned on even once since unboxing and is in new condition, with a new dust bin (I bought as a part from Dyson) for clear view of the shapes and colors inside the bin. (Yes, I'm a complete nut!) As far as their engineering and technology.. I have limited opinion.. please tell me why you don't care for it. I'm happy to learn something I may not have noticed, and really only have the new V10 on my wish list for another product from them, as it does seem, per Dyson, to compete with corded vac strength for the first time (how they mean that, or if it's true, I couldn't say, certainly it's operating time is still very limited by current battery tech.).

@paul, Sadly, I'm sure Electrolux vacs in any iteration will be a thing of the past, as you noted that Eureka must have been doing all the R+D for newer Electrolux releases. I can't foresee what other company within the Electrolux Group of today would pick up that lost product category and spend the R+D dollars on re-creating what they sold off with Eureka, but I fantasize that they could, perhaps, re-launch the brand moniker with a higher price point, stunning products, and hopefully some new breakthroughs that make it stand out in the crowd but I think they'd have to put some noticeable improvements in quality (all facets) back into what their name originally represented or why bother. Great response, btw, I learned some details I can always refer back to. Thanks.

I was on the phone with a cust. svc. agent at Electrolux last week, which sparked my original question, who when I asked if they would be releaseing new models said she had no info. but heard they might be working on it. Could have been just a way to let me down, or maybe it's a possibility, or maybe she just made it up.

@ Mike, Yep, I had a 91 Saab 900 conv, and a 94 9000. They were rock solid rockets, and I really did get addicted to Swedish design and the novelty of having it. No, they couldn't compete, but left a mark on the auto. industry. I rememeber the epsilon platform limitations on their creativity. It was a huge loss, they had just built a state of the art production facility in Trollhaten that was barely complete when they went under. The remodeled 9 5 was the only car produced there during the very last year. I can't even imagine who's warrantying those cars now.

If anyone hears any news about the future of Electrolux vacuums, please post here. I'll do the same.

Cheers to all,
Bill

[this post was last edited: 4/25/2018-22:34]

Hi Bill,


According to the Electrolux North America website (https://www.electroluxappliances.com/About-Electrolux/About-US/), though, it still carries its line of vacuum cleaners. I didn't find anything that clearly stated that it manufactures them; just that it has a premium market position. Anyway, it doesn't seem as though Electrolux intends to drop its vacuum cleaner line at this point.

Another interesting find on the Electrolux website is that Eureka is still listed as part of its "Family of Brands", so it could be that it is connected to Midea.

Btw, Electrolux North America has two divisions: "Electrolux Home Products" headquartered in Peoria, IL, which handles small kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, and air cleaners; and "Electrolux Major Appliances" headquartered in Augusta, GA, which includes kitchen and laundry appliances.

Plants listed on its website are located in Memphis, TN; Kinston, NC; St. Cloud, MN; and Anderson, SC.

Electrolux vacuums are not becoming extinct due to the sale of their Eureka division to Midea. In fact, they have just introduced a new line of canisters called the Pure D9 - see the link below.

Also, the Sanitaire division in North America has been retained by Electrolux. It was not sold to Midea.

http://https//www.electrolux.se/homecare/vacuum-cleaners/vacuum-cleaners/

@ Brian, Awesome! Good sleuthing! That "it follows you" thing has me curious.. does it have sensors to avoid furniture? Does it follow the handle with the user by bluetooth... I'm dying to know. Literally, I think I'm flying to Scandinavia. Just the fact they spend money on developing that ahead of everyone else. So fun.

As I posted the vintage and modern Electrolux ads, I noticed they both had really similar, almost exact detail. Both women as portrayed as they are "seen" in that time, both with one foot behind the cleaner, both with the hose in the same hand and swirling in front of the leg, the cleaner positioned as it is in each ad, with the supporting character up and to the right rear.... really too coincidental.

So, I wonder if they have indeed followed a "maintain higher quality product image" path and had maintained a dedicated Electrolux division with heads who were familiar with the original designs and concepts, etc. that worked within Eureka but mandated additional things to Eureka, perhaps all the motors were similar or something else that saved money, but they may have given more R&D funds to "what it takes to please the average upscale family" which still could be higher expectations of appearance and genuinely making cleaning easier ergonomics, or the engineering division to create more interesting and quieter shells, had superior filtration.. whatever... and that resulted in the UltraOne, etc., which was clearly touting better design and performance, I didn't even remember to mention the "brushroll clean", seemingly gimmicky thing before, but it does thoughtfully solve a previously unaddressed and annoying problem that other companies don't utilize, but actually needed a solution in order to more keep the intake area unobstructed to attain the best cleaning result each time... it was kind of a game changer, I thought.

It really reminds me of how the original machines brought a better experience to the customer at that time, and I really see continuity in that regard.[this post was last edited: 4/26/2018-02:34]

I actually found the Electrolux UltraSilencer Green to be an excellent suction only machine. The carpet nozzles produced by the Swedes are really well-designed.

How about that cool pink Pure D9, huh? Such a beautiful vacuum!

The Electrolux name has disappeared off vacuums in the UK... I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw one on display. I have seen AEG and Zanussi vacuums, both of which I presume are rebadged Electroluxes.

I really don't know what Electrolux is playing at. They were once 'the' brand of choice for quality cylinder machines in the UK. They also made quite decent clean-fan uprights.

Since Electrolux jumped on the Dyson bandwagon, we've had machines made of the cheapest, nastiest, plastics imaginable; motors which scream and general awfulness in usability. Hoover Ltd went exactly the same way when Candy got their mitts on them.

Bill,


I would invite you to read the many threads here devoted to Dyson; taking them apart, finding out how they are constructed, how they clog & why etc. I'm convinced I'd never own one, but my experience with them is limited to others.


 


I don't hate or shy away from things because they are new. But I've read enough about Dyson models to know I'll never be a 'fanboy' and they'll not be part of my stable. If however you adore them, you can find parts or don't mind paying someone to fix them and they do everything you expect a vac to do....then by all means collect them!


 


Kevin

Electrolux vacuums

I have the Ultra One classic, it's a great canister, and probably one of the quietest vacuums available. Wonder if those new machines will ever be made available in the United States. Even though they sold Eureka, Electrolux still owns the Sanitaire brandd, I doubt their vacuums are going away any time soon.
Mike

@Brian, Yes, it's gorgeous in it's simplicity. It seems streamlined with not too many visible bells and whistles, which I think makes it look very solid. Also, matte finishes do make the plastic look more durable. The pink color really will attract the iPhone generation looking for subtle elegance. Also, it seems that Electrolux has adopted for the first time the technology that I think Miele originated by using a thicker hose/greater diameter at the base where it enters the machine and less thick where it joins with the handle. Very nice, indeed.

@rolls_rapide, so true, Dyson had momentum to create the no loss of suction claim and that became a mantra for most lemmings looking for a vacuum apparently. People use that term Dyson with the same fervor they used Hoover back in the day. The plastic on my UltraFlex really is visually the cheapest. Not sure about resistance to abuse or aging, but looks like the quality of a child's toy, especially the top part of the dust bin that becomes the cap to the cyclone, my goodness, it's almost embarrassing for them to have used that grade of material, albeit to lighten weight, it lessens the feel of quality that should have been matched with the high level of ingenuity. It is a shame about Hoover. What's left to absorb by conglomerates? The only thing I found interesting about them lately is the new React line they just released here in the US. It apparently automatically adjusts to floor type by adjusting the brushroll speed. Otherwise, they do seem like they're one step behind in tech.

@kevin, I'll check out some of those threads you mentioned. Not sure I'll acquire a collection of their products, but the only cordless stick vac I have now is a 2in1 Hoover Air Stick vac the is seriously weak, and moderately fugly! So, when I decide to upgrade that tool, I'll see what's available, but the V10 really does seem to match style with substance in that category specifically. Otherwise, with Dyson, it will be interesting to see, since they claim to not be developing corded vacs going forward, (and I heard a clip of him saying that included any uprights at all, since the V10 series would replace that category), if indeed they will develop any true contenders in the world of canisters by making a cordless machine that performs. Could start a competitive trend that would free us from cords. Who knows.

@mike, I don't have an UltraOne, but do admire them. The new Pure series that Paul has a link to in this thread seems quiet impressive, so there is hope!

Ultra Captic

I bought an UltraCaptic multi-cyclonic canister when they were available. It was a great machine until both of my Border Collies grew up. Then, it couldn't hold enough hair, meaning I had to stop and empty several times in just the living room. Too much hassle. I stopped using it a few years ago and it just sits. So much for the EurekaLux.

I always go back to my Diamond Jubilee. I put a clean bag in each time I use it, and can clean the whole house without stopping. That's a "real" Electrolux in my book. I buy genuine Electrolux bags at flea markets, garage sales, etc. I probably have 400 or more bags, costing me pennies each. Enough to last a lifetime, and I still pick up more because I find them dirt cheap.

EurekaLux was never the quality of the real Electrolux, BUT, they were sure gung ho on jumping on the bandwagon of "my mother had an Electrolux for decades" when they were trying to sell them on QVC (conning the public into believing that the Electrolux mother bought and the new "Electrolux" were the same.) That's why we distinguish them by calling them "eurekalux" and the real Electrolux is, was, and always will be "Electrolux" even if Aerus makes them now.

Omg, EurekaLux... that's so funny!  First time I've heard it!  Well, now that they're out of the picture, will Sanitaire build a higher-grade materials product?  Hope so!  And I totally get how the original Electrolux's were so addictive, I just watched the attached video of a Model 30, I saw you have one in the pic (btw, I love the two old GE vacs on the top shelf behind you in that pic... quite a pair!) being disassembled and inspected.  Absolutely stunning art deco design and built to last forever apparently!   What a well thought out machine for that time!  I can imagine the difference in owning one at the time and absolutely having a superior and more powerful machine to use compared to your neighbors.  Probably was a status symbol.  Fantastic.


 


Attached are my current collection of contemporary vacs.  Small and limited, but I love 'em all for different reasons.  That's a second UltraFlex in the box that I'm giving to my friend as an Xmas gift next year.  I can't even tell you what she's using now.. it's horrifying!  All my friends, after they've given me the customary amount of sh_t for being a vacuum collector, actually then are very supportive and seem interested in hearing a little about why I like them.. so she's my bestest, so she get's what I like the most at this moment.


 


In the rear, under all the tools under the Coach bag, is a brand new, never opened, factory sealed Hoover Z700.  I know it was a dud success wise, but I still think if it had maintained suction longer, had stronger suction, and had filtered better and was about 10 Pounds lighter, it could have been a big hit.  I'm saving it for the day when someone who just needs one to complete their collection, per se, contacts me to buy it.  I'm sure it's one of the last factory sealed ones anywhere in the world.. I mean, what other nutt would hold on to a random thing like that!   I saw an ad for Dial a Matics that were originally touted as the first convertible vac.  They were so cute!  Looked from the rear view like they had a little tummy with a bellybutton that you attached the hose to, with the suction dial above it.  I doubt any more "convertible" vacs will ever be developed.


 


 


My newest purchase is the Hoover Air Revolve.  It came with 6 attachments including the power nozzle (no headlights, though.  That's a "cheaped out" pet-peeve of mine).  I couldn't believe it, no other non-specialty vacuum has ever included that many out of the box that I've ever opened before.  Not the best quality at all, but handy when needed.


 


Tomorrow my new in-box UltraCaptic arrives..  Same model that you have, Tom.  I'll probably keep that one pristine for a while and use the UltraFlex when I feel like it.  I'm moving the unused UltraFlex and UltraCaptic machines as floor art pieces on either side of my tv, and before the speakers, so they'll be on display, as well, in full view as variations on a theme.


 


After tomorrow's arrival, I'll be on Vac. purchasing hiatus for a while (space and budget), but one day, I'd like to get a Connie,  and also the Model 30 that reminds me so much of the Art Deco trains I was fascinated by in magazines as a kid.

[this post was last edited: 4/26/2018-17:16]

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzbUGdW-rcM

I don't think Aerus is going away. They have zero ties with E-lux AB. Anything made by Electrolux AB is Chinese junk.

completenutt said:

Mike, thanks for the very interesting detailed history on the brand. I am impressed by another enthusiast's knowledge!

I knew some of what you layed out, but learned some new things as well... I actually looked up and found a video (attached) of the Cyclone Power! So cool, but still using the in-line configuration, that is still used by Aerus today, which, albeit classic, hasn't advanced the industry with any new direction or evolvement of what we can now manufacture with advanced knowledge of motor technology and air flow, better machine weight distribution, and maneuverability.

It appears that when Aerus, who apparently was originally formed solely as the distribution company for Electrolux, divested the Electrolux name, but not the original streamlined architecture of the wonderful early models, it seems they never until this day thought to expand and be creative to compete with other popular brands like Dyson, who really reimagined and tested other configuration's efficacy, i.e. DC39 et al, and were able to capture a large market share by doing so.

I remember studying some tenants of Architecture, namely "form follows function", which seems common sense and, what Aerus has still adhered to, is clearly still used today. This configuration, although recently re-imagined by Dyson in the new V10.

I do understand the dilution of the original contributions given by the original Electrolux, and really think that the later models, like the Ultra Active, Ultra One, etc. have advanced using updated design styles while hopefully adhering to the purpose of a vacuum which is performance in all regards. I really think they added to that conversation, wherein Aerus has not contributed. For example, it appears that the first separated cyclone and dustbin were in the UltraFlex and UltraCaptic.. this seems to be copied currently by Miele in the Blizzard, and Hoover in the Air Pro Canister. What I deduce, is that aside from advancement the "new" Electrolux namesake made in appearance, albeit cheaper construction, they still advanced to the point of being imitated in what are still current alternate configuration releases by other companies.

Surely, that is not a good riddance scenario!

http://https//www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlMDHf1eF2o

Click to expand...

I don't think you know the story of how the US side of Electrolux came to be a wholly American owned company with no ties to the original Swedish parent. Electrolux AB of Sweden was formed in 1919 by the merger of Lux AB and Electromechanska AB. Electrolux AB set up a wholly owned subsidiary in the US in 1924 called Electrolux USA to sell vacuums in the US and Canada. Circa 1930-ish a ship with a year's supply of vacuums for North America sank on its way to the US forcing Electrolux AB to find a place to produce vacuums for the US and Canadian markets. They ended up with a factory in Mississagua Canada and one in Greenwich Connecticut.

By 1939 the Electrolux USA was making a vacuum that was completely different from what Electrolux AB was selling in Europe. That same year Electrolux AB began selling shares in Electrolux USA. By 1959 Consolidated Grocers had become the majority shareholder in Electrolux USA and in 1969 Electrolux AB divested the rest of their ownership shares in Electrolux USA to Consolidated Grocers. From that point on the US/Canadian and Swedish companies bearing the name Electrolux were two separate companies under different owners selling different products. Electrolux AB by then was making the full line of household appliances ( stoves, refrigerators, washers, driers, small kitchen appliances, you name it ). Electrolux USA was only making vacuum cleaners.

Over time Consolidated Grocers became Sarah Lee Foods and had neglected Electrolux USA, which went bankrupt. But Electrolux AB was busy buying up Frigidaire, Tappan, Gibson, Eureka and they split Sanitaire off from Eureka as a stand alone company. When Electrolux USA was put up for sale at a bankruptcy auction it was bought by Engels Urso Capital Corp. Two years prior they had bought Interstate Engineering from Figgie International when that company imploded ( old man Figgie was a piece of work, read up about him some time ). The new company was called Electrolux LLC. Interstate was still a separate company but owned by the same holding company.

So now Engels Urso Capital Corp led by Joe Urso owned a couple of vacuum cleaner companies. He spent a pile of money redoing Tristar vacuums with a whole new body using Electrolux USA style wands and power nozzle. To raise capital he negotiated with Electrolux AB of Sweden for them to buy the rights to the Electrolux name. The deal closed in 2003 after which Electrolux LLC became Aerus LLC. At some point Interstate Engineering died off and became part of Aerus. Aerus was still making the Classic and Legacy in the US, along with the big Heavy Duty upright and those revamped Tristars. I want to say around 2011 or 2012 Aerus started to bring over the Lux Intelligence but equipped with classic Electroux style hose, wands and power nozzle, calling this the Guardian Platinum.

Aerus was also fooling around with home air purifiers and a detergentless cold water system for washing clothes. When the Covid pandemic hit there was suddenly a surge in demand for air purifiers and Aerus moved into that business in a big way. Now it is their bread and butter and why they changed their name to ActivePure LLC after the name of their proprietary air filtration technology. Aerus ceased production of Tristar vacuums and moved production of the Heavy Duty upright ( along with its Pro Team twin ) to China. They also opened an additional production facility in Greenville.

After Electrolux AB bought the rights to their old name back they started to sell some of their European and Chinese made vacuums in the US including models that were previously sold as Eureka models with Electrolux branding, which confused most consumers who knew nothing of their respective corporate histories and various name changes along the way. For reasons I don't understand Electrolux AB made a decision to exit the North American vacuum market ( much as Panasonic did ) and in 2018 sold Eureka to the Midea Group. A year later they sold Sanitaire to Bissell.

One other note, around 2008-2009 ish Electrolux AB decided to sell their direct sales subsidiary Lux International. The Asia Pacific side was sold to Vorwerk of Germany who continued to sell Swedish made Lux D820s for a time before they started to sell Vorwerk Kobold vacuums with Lux branding across the Asia Pacific region.

In Europe Lux International was bought by some Swiss investors but they promptly went bankrupt and sold out to Eureka Forbes of India around 2011. Around this time Electrolux AB of Sweden ceased making vacuums for Lux International and Eureka Forbes had to come up with a premium vacuum to sell. The result was the Lux Intelligence, which is made for them by a Slovenian company called Kolektor. Kolektor makes the Guardian Platinum for Aerus too. What I don't know is who designed the Intelligence. Was it also an Electrolux AB design? Is it a Eureka Forbes design? Or did someone else design it? I have seen some really early versions sold in the EU as the "Lux D920". Don't know if they were made by Electrolux AB or by Kolektor. A mystery for me to solve some day. But by the time Aerus was selling the Guardian Platinum in the US, Electrolux AB was long out of the picture.

Sanitaire was sold to Bissell in 2019. The local vac shop owner is a friend and he tells me the Sanitaire people were so incensed that they destroyed all of their records and refused to even talk to anyone from Bissell. Bissell staff had to resort to browsing the internet and phone books to figure out who was selling Sanitair products then contact these sellers to find out what the terms of their contracts were and how much if anything they owed. We laughed about it but it was a real headache for the people at Bissell, and a real insult for the people at Sanitaire to be sold off to Bissell.

completenutt said:

@ Brian, Awesome! Good sleuthing! That "it follows you" thing has me curious.. does it have sensors to avoid furniture? Does it follow the handle with the user by bluetooth... I'm dying to know. Literally, I think I'm flying to Scandinavia. Just the fact they spend money on developing that ahead of everyone else. So fun.

As I posted the vintage and modern Electrolux ads, I noticed they both had really similar, almost exact detail. Both women as portrayed as they are "seen" in that time, both with one foot behind the cleaner, both with the hose in the same hand and swirling in front of the leg, the cleaner positioned as it is in each ad, with the supporting character up and to the right rear.... really too coincidental.

So, I wonder if they have indeed followed a "maintain higher quality product image" path and had maintained a dedicated Electrolux division with heads who were familiar with the original designs and concepts, etc. that worked within Eureka but mandated additional things to Eureka, perhaps all the motors were similar or something else that saved money, but they may have given more R&D funds to "what it takes to please the average upscale family" which still could be higher expectations of appearance and genuinely making cleaning easier ergonomics, or the engineering division to create more interesting and quieter shells, had superior filtration.. whatever... and that resulted in the UltraOne, etc., which was clearly touting better design and performance, I didn't even remember to mention the "brushroll clean", seemingly gimmicky thing before, but it does thoughtfully solve a previously unaddressed and annoying problem that other companies don't utilize, but actually needed a solution in order to more keep the intake area unobstructed to attain the best cleaning result each time... it was kind of a game changer, I thought.

It really reminds me of how the original machines brought a better experience to the customer at that time, and I really see continuity in that regard.[this post was last edited: 4/26/2018-02:34]

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Many if not most 1990s and 2000s Eureka canister models and most Sanitaire canister models were not much more than 120 volt rebrands of vacuums sold in Europe by Electrolux Group subsidiaries like Volta, Progress, AEG or even Electrolux itself often with an electric hose and a made in Mexico or China Eureka power nozzle. The Eureka Excalibur Mega was based on the Volta Mega. The Eureka S6982/83/84 "Europa"/ "Home Cleaning System " is the same basic vacuum as the Progress P49 and the Volta Gemini U2800 series minus the "Steptronic" feature. The Sanitaire S490A is a rebrand of the Electrolux Z457 with a big honking two stage Ametek motor. The Sanitaire SP6950/51/52 is the same vacuum as the AEG P3 System Pro. One of the Eureka Europa models ( S6997 I think ) is the same as the Electrolux Excellio. That green GE branded vacuum sold in Walmart, also sold as the Eureka HP ( made at the Eureka plant in Juarez Mexico ) is a US market version of the Electrolux Mondo / Volta Elyps.

Good information. I have read some additional facts from first-hand online sources regarding AB Electrolux, Electrolux Corporation and Electrolux (Canada) Ltd. along with some corrections:

1. AB Electrolux was a minority shareholder of Electrolux Corporation until 1968 when it sold its shares to Consolidated Foods, who then became the majority shareholder. It sold its shares in Electrolux (Canada) Ltd. to Electrolux Corporation in 1961. There has since remained some interaction among the companies as seen in such features as the use of the scripted "Automatic" lettering on the US and UK tank-type cleaners in the 1970s. It may also be that the two companies in produced the Globaltek tank-type vacuums with the 220V motors and Electrolux Corporation's Renaissance/Guardian tanks beginning in 1995. A service tech also also mentioned that AB Electrolux supplied Electrolux LLC motors for a time after it sold its motor division. And some years ago, Joe Urso in fact had a position on an Electrolux Group board (if I can find the reference I'll post it.

2. Electrolux Corporation and Electrolux (Canada) Ltd. merged in 1985. Manufacturing still took place in both countries. Consolidated Foods changed its name to Sara Lee that same year. Then, as a result of NAFTA, the Canadian manufacturing plants and printing presses were closed in 1987 and 1989; moving all operations to the U.S.

3. A leveraged senior executive buyout of Consolidated shares, arranged by First Boston Securities Corporation and Wesray Capital Corporation for $230M, occurred in 1987.

4. Sara Lee bought back its shares in 1990 and became the majority shareholder once again.

5. 1998 was the year Lux International and AB Electrolux dissolved their partnership which had started in 1919. That same year Electrolux Corporation and TriStar were acquired by Engles Urso Follmer Capital Corporation; the former then became Electrolux LLC. Corporate offices are relocated to Dallas, Texas.

6. The motor division was sold to Electro Motor in 2002. Vacuum cleaner production at the Bristol plant ceased in 2003 and was transferred to the Electrolux/Eureka plants in El Paso Texas and Juarez, Mexico. It's unclear if production of the shampooer-polishers and attachments continued at Bristol, or if it was also transferred. It has yet to be verified if full manufacturing of Lux Aerus floor & surface care products has since been transferred back to the Bristol plant where other ActivePure products are assembled and possibly manufactured; the company's website lacks the information).

7. In 2000 the North American Electrolux brand and trademark were sold back to AB Electrolux for 50M USD. Electrolux LLC and Electrolux, Inc. became Aerus LLC (US) and Aerus, Inc. (CA). Around that time Electrolux became affiliated with Lux International and began labeling its surface cleaners with the "Lux" moniker. Aerus branding was phased in beginning in 2002 at first as "Aerus by Electrolux".

8. ProTeam and Aerus formed an alliance in 2001 to produce commercial upright vacuums, including Electrolux's Commercial and X-treme/X-treme Plus cleaners and ProTeam's ProForce line. New features include a similar L-shape nozzle is with performance indicators, an ergonomic handle grip, and onboard upper casing in addition to the standard upper casing that Electrolux had been using. The Lux 4000 household version with onboard hose and attachments also premiered.

9. In 2004, Aerus discontinued its use of 'Electrolux' and AB Electrolux begins selling its newly-designed vacuum cleaners under its original brand name (it had purchased The Eureka Company in 1974 selling its brand of floor & surface care products).

10. Aerus launches its Veridian line in 2008; which includes two rebadged commercial uprights (with and without onboard hose & attachments) as well as different designs.

11. In 2013 Beyond by Aerus, with ActivePure technology developed with NASA, began. Late that year the Lux Guardian Platinum, based on the Swiss Lux Intelligence, debuted.

12. AB Electrolux sells The Eureka Company in 2016 to Midea Group Company, Ltd. (It is unknown if Midea took over production of Aerus floor & surface care products).

13. Aerus Holdings LLC changed its name to ActivePure Technologies LLC in 2020.

14. Aerus's 100th anniversary was in 2024 with little fanfare and no anniversary decals affixed to its cleaners. This, in part, has lead to speculation of the discontinuation of Aerus floor & surface care products. Correspondingly, only the color of the Lux Guardian tank has changed in the past dozen years. The other products have retained their main black color, and no new features or accessories have been introduced except for rebrands.

The Eureka Excalibur canister of the mid 90s was a Volta, and succeeded the first plastic bodied Express models. Then came the rounded front one with the hose connector on the top. Then the first Oxygen 1 series made in Vastervik Sweden. That was their final product. The Oxygen 3 was made in Hungary. Walmart sold the Mondo branded a GE.
Aerus still makes the Epic canister like Service Merchandise sold in the 80s.

paul said:

Good information. I have read some additional facts from first-hand online sources regarding AB Electrolux, Electrolux Corporation and Electrolux (Canada) Ltd. along with some corrections:

1. AB Electrolux was a minority shareholder of Electrolux Corporation until 1968 when it sold its shares to Consolidated Foods, who then became the majority shareholder. It sold its shares in Electrolux (Canada) Ltd. to Electrolux Corporation in 1961. There has since remained some interaction among the companies as seen in such features as the use of the scripted "Automatic" lettering on the US and UK tank-type cleaners in the 1970s. It may also be that the two companies in produced the Globaltek tank-type vacuums with the 220V motors and Electrolux Corporation's Renaissance/Guardian tanks beginning in 1995. A service tech also also mentioned that AB Electrolux supplied Electrolux LLC motors for a time after it sold its motor division. And some years ago, Joe Urso in fact had a position on an Electrolux Group board (if I can find the reference I'll post it.

2. Electrolux Corporation and Electrolux (Canada) Ltd. merged in 1985. Manufacturing still took place in both countries. Consolidated Foods changed its name to Sara Lee that same year. Then, as a result of NAFTA, the Canadian manufacturing plants and printing presses were closed in 1987 and 1989; moving all operations to the U.S.

3. A leveraged senior executive buyout of Consolidated shares, arranged by First Boston Securities Corporation and Wesray Capital Corporation for $230M, occurred in 1987.

4. Sara Lee bought back its shares in 1990 and became the majority shareholder once again.

5. 1998 was the year Lux International and AB Electrolux dissolved their partnership which had started in 1919. That same year Electrolux Corporation and TriStar were acquired by Engles Urso Follmer Capital Corporation; the former then became Electrolux LLC. Corporate offices are relocated to Dallas, Texas.

6. The motor division was sold to Electro Motor in 2002. Vacuum cleaner production at the Bristol plant ceased in 2003 and was transferred to the Electrolux/Eureka plants in El Paso Texas and Juarez, Mexico. It's unclear if production of the shampooer-polishers and attachments continued at Bristol, or if it was also transferred. It has yet to be verified if full manufacturing of Lux Aerus floor & surface care products has since been transferred back to the Bristol plant where other ActivePure products are assembled and possibly manufactured; the company's website lacks the information).

7. In 2000 the North American Electrolux brand and trademark were sold back to AB Electrolux for 50M USD. Electrolux LLC and Electrolux, Inc. became Aerus LLC (US) and Aerus, Inc. (CA). Around that time Electrolux became affiliated with Lux International and began labeling its surface cleaners with the "Lux" moniker. Aerus branding was phased in beginning in 2002 at first as "Aerus by Electrolux".

8. ProTeam and Aerus formed an alliance in 2001 to produce commercial upright vacuums, including Electrolux's Commercial and X-treme/X-treme Plus cleaners and ProTeam's ProForce line. New features include a similar L-shape nozzle is with performance indicators, an ergonomic handle grip, and onboard upper casing in addition to the standard upper casing that Electrolux had been using. The Lux 4000 household version with onboard hose and attachments also premiered.

9. In 2004, Aerus discontinued its use of 'Electrolux' and AB Electrolux begins selling its newly-designed vacuum cleaners under its original brand name (it had purchased The Eureka Company in 1974 selling its brand of floor & surface care products).

10. Aerus launches its Veridian line in 2008; which includes two rebadged commercial uprights (with and without onboard hose & attachments) as well as different designs.

11. In 2013 Beyond by Aerus, with ActivePure technology developed with NASA, began. Late that year the Lux Guardian Platinum, based on the Swiss Lux Intelligence, debuted.

12. AB Electrolux sells The Eureka Company in 2016 to Midea Group Company, Ltd. (It is unknown if Midea took over production of Aerus floor & surface care products).

13. Aerus Holdings LLC changed its name to ActivePure Technologies LLC in 2020.

14. Aerus's 100th anniversary was in 2024 with little fanfare and no anniversary decals affixed to its cleaners. This, in part, has lead to speculation of the discontinuation of Aerus floor & surface care products. Correspondingly, only the color of the Lux Guardian tank has changed in the past dozen years. The other products have retained their main black color, and no new features or accessories have been introduced except for rebrands.

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Interstate Engineering was sold to Engels Urso Capital Corp in March of 1996.

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-04-fi-42977-story.html

Based on what a German Lux dealer friend tells me Lux International was a wholly owned subsidiary of Electrolux AB until 1996 or so when Electrolux Group made a decision to divest itself of Lux International. Lux was not originally a separate company but a fully owned division of Electrolux AB. "Lux the best of Electrolux" was the old saying in Germany. The European side of Lux International was sold to some Swiss investors who failed majorly and subsequently sold out to Eureka Forbes of India, the current owner. Their Asia Pacific side was sold to Vorwerk.

Based on what my friend Trent who owns House of Vacuums Aerus dealer in Tennessee tells me he has personally seen Aerus Classics and Aerus Legacy's being assembled in the Bristol VA plant just last year. I have no reason to doubt him. If you look at Facebook posts for the Bristol plant they mention company picnics for "Vacuum Operations" and things like that. Tristars were being assembled in Bristol through 2021 ( or was it 2022 ? ) when they used the last of the castings they had.

Electrolux USA and Tristar both had international sales arms. Something like 40% of Tristar sales were in Japan where they were sold in 100 volt form as the house brand of Fuji Medical Instruments. I have a bunch of "Fujiclean Airstream" EX-20s, Sunstorm EX-30s and a modern Airstream EX-60 in my collection. The EX-30 was a model designed specifically for Japan ( and routinely available on Japanese on-line flea markets though you almost never see them in the US ). There is a 240 volt European model Tristar on eBay as well. Old Electrolux USA also sold internationally. They sold 100 volt models in Japan with Concordia branding. I have a 100 volt Ambassador branded as a Concordia Tiger. Those Globaltek Renaissances were sold independently of Electrolux and were competitors to them. Same in Japan with Concordia.

Both Tristar and Electrolux LLC / Aerus LLC did indeed the VM3 motor from the Electrolux Group for a time in their vacuums. The same motor is in my Sanitaire SP6952 and my Lux 1R D820 from Japan ( big surprise when I opened it for a good cleaning expecting to see the big two stage Swedish motor the European versions were equipped with ).

Not sure Aerus had any kind of partnership with Lux International. Aerus negotiated to keep the rights to use "Lux" in their branding as part of the 2000 deal to sell the rights to the Electrolux name in the US and Canada back to the Electrolux Group. By then Electrolux Group was fully divested of Lux International. Kolektor was happy to sell Intelligence / Guardian Platinums to whomever. In the US that was Aerus. In Australia a big retalier named Godfrey's sold them under their house brand Sauber. In fact it was kind of funny that as Godfrey's was selling the "Sauber Intelligence" in Australia, the Asia Pacific side of Lux International was selling a rebranded Vorwerk Tiger 260 in Australia and New Zealand as the Lux Sora. No partnership there !

The reason Aerus became the sucessor to the American and Canadian Electrolux vacuum concern was because AB E-lux wanted to market Electrolux up level major appliances made by Frigidaire in Ontario, and a new laundry plant in North or South Carolina. Beam was also sold, having been bought prior to.

As far as Aerus is concerned, Electrolux was already extinct.

cheesewonton said:

Interstate Engineering was sold to Engels Urso Capital Corp in March of 1996.

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-04-fi-42977-story.html

Based on what a German Lux dealer friend tells me Lux International was a wholly owned subsidiary of Electrolux AB until 1996 or so when Electrolux Group made a decision to divest itself of Lux International. Lux was not originally a separate company but a fully owned division of Electrolux AB. "Lux the best of Electrolux" was the old saying in Germany. The European side of Lux International was sold to some Swiss investors who failed majorly and subsequently sold out to Eureka Forbes of India, the current owner. Their Asia Pacific side was sold to Vorwerk.

Based on what my friend Trent who owns House of Vacuums Aerus dealer in Tennessee tells me he has personally seen Aerus Classics and Aerus Legacy's being assembled in the Bristol VA plant just last year. I have no reason to doubt him. If you look at Facebook posts for the Bristol plant they mention company picnics for "Vacuum Operations" and things like that. Tristars were being assembled in Bristol through 2021 ( or was it 2022 ? ) when they used the last of the castings they had.

Electrolux USA and Tristar both had international sales arms. Something like 40% of Tristar sales were in Japan where they were sold in 100 volt form as the house brand of Fuji Medical Instruments. I have a bunch of "Fujiclean Airstream" EX-20s, Sunstorm EX-30s and a modern Airstream EX-60 in my collection. The EX-30 was a model designed specifically for Japan ( and routinely available on Japanese on-line flea markets though you almost never see them in the US ). There is a 240 volt European model Tristar on eBay as well. Old Electrolux USA also sold internationally. They sold 100 volt models in Japan with Concordia branding. I have a 100 volt Ambassador branded as a Concordia Tiger. Those Globaltek Renaissances were sold independently of Electrolux and were competitors to them. Same in Japan with Concordia.

Both Tristar and Electrolux LLC / Aerus LLC did indeed the VM3 motor from the Electrolux Group for a time in their vacuums. The same motor is in my Sanitaire SP6952 and my Lux 1R D820 from Japan ( big surprise when I opened it for a good cleaning expecting to see the big two stage Swedish motor the European versions were equipped with ).

Not sure Aerus had any kind of partnership with Lux International. Aerus negotiated to keep the rights to use "Lux" in their branding as part of the 2000 deal to sell the rights to the Electrolux name in the US and Canada back to the Electrolux Group. By then Electrolux Group was fully divested of Lux International. Kolektor was happy to sell Intelligence / Guardian Platinums to whomever. In the US that was Aerus. In Australia a big retalier named Godfrey's sold them under their house brand Sauber. In fact it was kind of funny that as Godfrey's was selling the "Sauber Intelligence" in Australia, the Asia Pacific side of Lux International was selling a rebranded Vorwerk Tiger 260 in Australia and New Zealand as the Lux Sora. No partnership there !

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Somehow you are misunderstanding my communications was your replies indicate time and again, so I will try to explain more clearly:

1. Attached is a screenshot of Lux International's timeline indicating its independence from AB Electrolux occurred in 1998.

2. I have no reason to doubt that Trent saw the ASSEMBLY of the Aerus tanks at Bristol recently. However, online information suggests that the MAKING of the parts is outsourced as it was when AB Electrolux/Eureka took over production in 2003 after the Bristol operations were discontinued. That means pouring the plastic into molds and actually MAKING the tank parts.

3. AB Electrolux did/does not own the rights of the Lux brand and therefore could not give Aerus the rights to it - Lux International did/does. At one point I read on Lux International's webpage that Aerus was its North American subsidiary; which makes a very good case of why Aerus cleaners have been also labeled with 'Lux'.

The bottom line is that ActivePure Technologies does not operate in the same way as Electrolux Corporation. It's much more diverse and focused on purification and heating products more than surface care appliances. All online indications are that the PRODUCTION of Aerus Lux Classic and Aerus Lux Legacy is outsourced; including Trent's viewing only the ASSEMBLY of them.