Electrolux vacuums to become extinct?

[completenutt]

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]

 

[vacerator]

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.

 

[real1shep]

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


 


Kevin

 

[completenutt]

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

 

[real1shep]

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

 

[completenutt]

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]

 

[real1shep]

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


 


 


 

 

[paul]

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.

 

[vacerator]

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.

 

[completenutt]

@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]

 

[paul]

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.

 

[eurekaprince]

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/

 

[completenutt]

@ 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]

 

[eurekaprince]

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!

 

[rolls_rapide]

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.

 

[real1shep]

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

 

[n0oxy]

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

 

[completenutt]

@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!

 

[dysonman1]

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.