Is the Aerus (electrolux) brand disappearing?
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Aerus is struggling...
When Electrolux America sold their name back to the Swedish group, it was all over.
The selling price was 55 million, Joe Urso's initial investment. His take for the three years he held the reigns: about 50 million.
Initially, the branch managers were asked to pay 250,000 for their branch. Now the price is 10,000.
The Perfect clones are better machines, and less expensive. It's sad. Why would someone pay 2000.00 for a new Guardian when there are so many other, and better choices for less money?
Sara Lee bought Electrolux during a period when diversification was the corporate philosophy, and sold it when the fad was streamlining. It was a bad move for everybody. Under Charles Mckee, the company flourished, with only 4 machines, 1205, L, CB, and B-8.
If Sara Lee had stayed the course, kept Lux, and if Lux had stayed the course and kept the branch system (with a couple of minor alterations) Electolux would be the dominant brand in the US today.
When Electrolux America sold their name back to the Swedish group, it was all over.
The selling price was 55 million, Joe Urso's initial investment. His take for the three years he held the reigns: about 50 million.
Initially, the branch managers were asked to pay 250,000 for their branch. Now the price is 10,000.
The Perfect clones are better machines, and less expensive. It's sad. Why would someone pay 2000.00 for a new Guardian when there are so many other, and better choices for less money?
Sara Lee bought Electrolux during a period when diversification was the corporate philosophy, and sold it when the fad was streamlining. It was a bad move for everybody. Under Charles Mckee, the company flourished, with only 4 machines, 1205, L, CB, and B-8.
If Sara Lee had stayed the course, kept Lux, and if Lux had stayed the course and kept the branch system (with a couple of minor alterations) Electolux would be the dominant brand in the US today.
rugsucker
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Electrolux was different
Before Aerus,for years Electrolux had a relativly simple system that woked well for everyone from factory to customers across America.All branches were company owned and all employees from the president to the newest salesman were employees of Electrolux unlike other door to door companies who could have a good product but completley different organization.There was a simple easily understood lineup of machines for any home,business or cleaning need with a one price policy as they were consigned to branch and salesmen untill sold to customer.Electrolux did their own financing and every branch had service department.And then different ownership,different management,more models,more price points,Elux in Sams club,a short lived program for Elux in Sears(I think they did appear in 1 small catalog),Purelux water filters added,some employees no longer with company benefits,and more.--My opinion-If they still had $299 upright(Discovery)and $399 canister(LE with power nozzle)they could not build them fast enough!!
Before Aerus,for years Electrolux had a relativly simple system that woked well for everyone from factory to customers across America.All branches were company owned and all employees from the president to the newest salesman were employees of Electrolux unlike other door to door companies who could have a good product but completley different organization.There was a simple easily understood lineup of machines for any home,business or cleaning need with a one price policy as they were consigned to branch and salesmen untill sold to customer.Electrolux did their own financing and every branch had service department.And then different ownership,different management,more models,more price points,Elux in Sams club,a short lived program for Elux in Sears(I think they did appear in 1 small catalog),Purelux water filters added,some employees no longer with company benefits,and more.--My opinion-If they still had $299 upright(Discovery)and $399 canister(LE with power nozzle)they could not build them fast enough!!
danemodsandy
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So Many Mistakes!
It's my feeling that the company has made so many mistakes it may not be salvageable.
The first was that damn silly "Aerus" name, which is absolutely meaningless to most consumers, and does absolutely nothing to help people make the connection that this was once American Electrolux. Something with "Lux" in the name (Vaculux? Homelux?) would have been a far better choice.
The move to franchises was another mistake. The old Electrolux system kept the consumer experience very stable, very uniform; there were systems in place to detect any deviation from company standards. Now, consumers are more or less at the mercy of a franchisee. Aerus stores are not uniform; some locations are as upscale as you'd expect for such a pricey product. Others are not, and some locations (like in my city) don't even have premises; the franchisee operates out of his home. That is hardly reassuring to prospective purchasers of a $2000 vacuum cleaner!
The price points of Aerus vacs are a problem, too. Not because premium vacs aren't worth it; they certainly can be. The Electrolux 1205 would go for around $1400 in today's money. But there is a huge amount of competition, and Aerus has done nothing to deal with it. You can compete two ways. First is price, which has traditionally not been the way Lux plays the game. The other is mystique, a game Miele, for instance, plays very well indeed. But Aerus can hardly romance customers with guys operating out of their homes.
The last is lack of advertising. You just don't see anything besides the Aerus Website, which is ridiculous. Here is Aerus with an unfamiliar brand name, a heritage most people don't relate to products they ARE familiar with, and a pricey product - and you don't see diddly squat in the media. That isn't merely a bit lacking, it's insane.
I think - given present marketplace conditions - that Aerus would do best to dismantle its dealer network and go with vac shop sales, like Miele. They could hardly do worse, seems to me.
It's my feeling that the company has made so many mistakes it may not be salvageable.
The first was that damn silly "Aerus" name, which is absolutely meaningless to most consumers, and does absolutely nothing to help people make the connection that this was once American Electrolux. Something with "Lux" in the name (Vaculux? Homelux?) would have been a far better choice.
The move to franchises was another mistake. The old Electrolux system kept the consumer experience very stable, very uniform; there were systems in place to detect any deviation from company standards. Now, consumers are more or less at the mercy of a franchisee. Aerus stores are not uniform; some locations are as upscale as you'd expect for such a pricey product. Others are not, and some locations (like in my city) don't even have premises; the franchisee operates out of his home. That is hardly reassuring to prospective purchasers of a $2000 vacuum cleaner!
The price points of Aerus vacs are a problem, too. Not because premium vacs aren't worth it; they certainly can be. The Electrolux 1205 would go for around $1400 in today's money. But there is a huge amount of competition, and Aerus has done nothing to deal with it. You can compete two ways. First is price, which has traditionally not been the way Lux plays the game. The other is mystique, a game Miele, for instance, plays very well indeed. But Aerus can hardly romance customers with guys operating out of their homes.
The last is lack of advertising. You just don't see anything besides the Aerus Website, which is ridiculous. Here is Aerus with an unfamiliar brand name, a heritage most people don't relate to products they ARE familiar with, and a pricey product - and you don't see diddly squat in the media. That isn't merely a bit lacking, it's insane.
I think - given present marketplace conditions - that Aerus would do best to dismantle its dealer network and go with vac shop sales, like Miele. They could hardly do worse, seems to me.
twocvbloke
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I don't think Aerus did themselves any favours when they split from the parent Electrolux company in Europe, they could have changed their name back then and had been a success, being completely separated from the Electrolux name and not having to return it to the rightful owner a few years ago...
And, some Aerus dealers haven't done the Aerus name any good either by posting images in their stores about the "fake, cheap and inferior" Electrolux AG products being sold in the US, I think I saw one example of that here on this forum, basically trying to steer customers away from the Electrolux name, even though they used to be called Electrolux, which just causes confusion and people see the Aerus brand as a bunch of slandering rednecks...
But, at the end of the day, mistakes have been made, names have been changed, and as someone living in Europe (not by choice, mind), to me the Electrolux name will always have this logo:
And, some Aerus dealers haven't done the Aerus name any good either by posting images in their stores about the "fake, cheap and inferior" Electrolux AG products being sold in the US, I think I saw one example of that here on this forum, basically trying to steer customers away from the Electrolux name, even though they used to be called Electrolux, which just causes confusion and people see the Aerus brand as a bunch of slandering rednecks...
But, at the end of the day, mistakes have been made, names have been changed, and as someone living in Europe (not by choice, mind), to me the Electrolux name will always have this logo:
joshdonnell
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Aerus
The stores here are doing fine
The stores here are doing fine
danemodsandy
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Josh:
"The stores here are doing fine"
I'm glad to hear that, but they aren't doing fine everywhere, and that's a real concern for those of us who love Luxes. If the company goes belly-up for lack of good sales nation-wide, the supply of certain parts may dry up forever. I personally would not like to rely on aftermarket hoses for my Luxes; the genuine Aerus hoses are greatly superior to anything I've seen from the aftermarket.
I remember areas where you saw a lot of AMC cars, because dealers in those areas were very good at selling. But that wasn't true everywhere - or even in most places - and eventually the company went under. That's what I fear with Aerus.
"The stores here are doing fine"
I'm glad to hear that, but they aren't doing fine everywhere, and that's a real concern for those of us who love Luxes. If the company goes belly-up for lack of good sales nation-wide, the supply of certain parts may dry up forever. I personally would not like to rely on aftermarket hoses for my Luxes; the genuine Aerus hoses are greatly superior to anything I've seen from the aftermarket.
I remember areas where you saw a lot of AMC cars, because dealers in those areas were very good at selling. But that wasn't true everywhere - or even in most places - and eventually the company went under. That's what I fear with Aerus.
Experience
I did not have the most pleasant experience when buying my vacuum. These supposedly franchise stores are like dealing with the used car salesman. The high price and tactics pulled makes me say look at a different brand. I feel there is no cohesion and accountability. I was told my vacuum was okay several times by the franchise owner when the indicator light was clearly malfunctioning. I called corporate they referred me back to the store. It was a joke. Plus when I searched store locations, thinking to try another area location for service, I found out they had closed!
So...what is the real brand to have?? Getting tired of attaching\reattaching the hose . I have the upright model.
I did not have the most pleasant experience when buying my vacuum. These supposedly franchise stores are like dealing with the used car salesman. The high price and tactics pulled makes me say look at a different brand. I feel there is no cohesion and accountability. I was told my vacuum was okay several times by the franchise owner when the indicator light was clearly malfunctioning. I called corporate they referred me back to the store. It was a joke. Plus when I searched store locations, thinking to try another area location for service, I found out they had closed!
So...what is the real brand to have?? Getting tired of attaching\reattaching the hose . I have the upright model.
danemodsandy
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George:
I would urge you to consider vintage if you want a vacuum that will last, as well as costing a reasonable amount of money.
Despite what I've said about Aerus, there is still great support for vintage machines back to the Model L and 1205. It gets kind of spotty prior to those machines, but lots of people have Model Gs and the like, and keep them in good repair, even if they have to work at it a little harder.
The TriStar CXL is a GREAT vacuum with excellent filtration. Parts are not difficult to come by, though dealing with TriStar Canada is preferable to TriStar in the U.S. I should mention that TriStar is owned by the same company that owns Aerus, though.
You can have a very expensive vac that will last a very long time for less than $200 if you will go this route. Even if you restore one to perfection and spend more money (as I did with my CXL), you should still get out for under $500, which is nothing for a TOL premium vacuum nowadays. And my CXL should be around for many years - make that decades - after I'm gone.
I would urge you to consider vintage if you want a vacuum that will last, as well as costing a reasonable amount of money.
Despite what I've said about Aerus, there is still great support for vintage machines back to the Model L and 1205. It gets kind of spotty prior to those machines, but lots of people have Model Gs and the like, and keep them in good repair, even if they have to work at it a little harder.
The TriStar CXL is a GREAT vacuum with excellent filtration. Parts are not difficult to come by, though dealing with TriStar Canada is preferable to TriStar in the U.S. I should mention that TriStar is owned by the same company that owns Aerus, though.
You can have a very expensive vac that will last a very long time for less than $200 if you will go this route. Even if you restore one to perfection and spend more money (as I did with my CXL), you should still get out for under $500, which is nothing for a TOL premium vacuum nowadays. And my CXL should be around for many years - make that decades - after I'm gone.
Stores seem to be fine here as well.
My local Aerus store is very close to my house. I've bought bags, belts and clean sweep chips from them numerous times. I’ve yet to see a decline in business. The woman who has worked there, for as long as I can remember said “they were still going strong”.
Tulsa, Oklahoma was one of the original branch offices. I've seen the old store printed on some of the older Electrolux literature.
My local Aerus store is very close to my house. I've bought bags, belts and clean sweep chips from them numerous times. I’ve yet to see a decline in business. The woman who has worked there, for as long as I can remember said “they were still going strong”.
Tulsa, Oklahoma was one of the original branch offices. I've seen the old store printed on some of the older Electrolux literature.
I hope not because I love electrolux products...But I don't have that warm fuzzy feeling that they will be around that much longer. The store I went too for years in now closed as long as the one up by my cabin in north Ga is now closed also
It seems the stores that do well/operable are the ones in Texas or nearest Texas by the main corporate headquarters....maybe there is better oversight, but the ones by me in the New York area seem to be closing.
As I mentioned, I am just not thrilled with the hose connection for the upright, its becoming inconvenient, wish I never bought it. I am going to look at the new electrolux Ultra Silencer or someone mentioned TriStar, never heard of it. Probably should have just did the Miele from the start. S7
As I mentioned, I am just not thrilled with the hose connection for the upright, its becoming inconvenient, wish I never bought it. I am going to look at the new electrolux Ultra Silencer or someone mentioned TriStar, never heard of it. Probably should have just did the Miele from the start. S7
danemodsandy
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George:
TriStar is a brand that has been around in one form or another since 1940.
It was originally called Compact, invented by the Interstate Engineering Company of Anaheim, California, which was primarily a manufacturer of aircraft components. IEC needed to be able to clean up the interiors of airplanes after they had finished installing their components on them, and so they came up with a lightweight (for that era) and small vacuum made of the same magnesium-aluminum alloy used for their primary products.
Eventually, someone at IEC got the bright idea to sell the cleaner to the public, as a way of diversifying the product line, so as to help IEC weather the ups and downs of the aircraft business. The cleaner was dubbed the "Compact," and sold under that brand name for many years. Compacts were always sold door-to-door, but there was a retail version - identical except for the brand name - called Revelation, sold in stores.
Eventually, IEC sold off the Compact line to a company called Figgie International, which in turn sold it to the same Texas holding company which now owns Aerus. The machine was re-named TriStar.
The original Compact design, with detail changes and the addition of a power nozzle, was sold through about 1998. The company then introduced a new design, based on the old one, but more modern-looking and cheaper to produce, called the MG Series.
The later Compact-based machines made in the last dozen or so years before the MG Series was launched are very desirable vacuums, with metal bodies, as well as metal wand and tool systems (except for upholstery nozzles, dust brushes and crevice tools). They have a quadruple filtration system: Air first passes through a cloth dust bag, then a paper one that fits inside the cloth bag. Next comes a motor pre-filter, and last comes an exhaust air filter.
Below is a picture of my restored TriStar CXL, which is complete with everything it had originally, plus extra wands. It is my opinion that no finer classic canister vacuum has ever been made. You would enjoy having one immensely!
P.S.: If you ever look at a TriStar CXL, check out the suction - you will not believe it.
TriStar is a brand that has been around in one form or another since 1940.
It was originally called Compact, invented by the Interstate Engineering Company of Anaheim, California, which was primarily a manufacturer of aircraft components. IEC needed to be able to clean up the interiors of airplanes after they had finished installing their components on them, and so they came up with a lightweight (for that era) and small vacuum made of the same magnesium-aluminum alloy used for their primary products.
Eventually, someone at IEC got the bright idea to sell the cleaner to the public, as a way of diversifying the product line, so as to help IEC weather the ups and downs of the aircraft business. The cleaner was dubbed the "Compact," and sold under that brand name for many years. Compacts were always sold door-to-door, but there was a retail version - identical except for the brand name - called Revelation, sold in stores.
Eventually, IEC sold off the Compact line to a company called Figgie International, which in turn sold it to the same Texas holding company which now owns Aerus. The machine was re-named TriStar.
The original Compact design, with detail changes and the addition of a power nozzle, was sold through about 1998. The company then introduced a new design, based on the old one, but more modern-looking and cheaper to produce, called the MG Series.
The later Compact-based machines made in the last dozen or so years before the MG Series was launched are very desirable vacuums, with metal bodies, as well as metal wand and tool systems (except for upholstery nozzles, dust brushes and crevice tools). They have a quadruple filtration system: Air first passes through a cloth dust bag, then a paper one that fits inside the cloth bag. Next comes a motor pre-filter, and last comes an exhaust air filter.
Below is a picture of my restored TriStar CXL, which is complete with everything it had originally, plus extra wands. It is my opinion that no finer classic canister vacuum has ever been made. You would enjoy having one immensely!
P.S.: If you ever look at a TriStar CXL, check out the suction - you will not believe it.
danemodsandy
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P.S.:
Here is a link to the TriStar Website; be sure to click on the "About Us" link and take a look at the "History of Products" page:
http://www.tristarclean.com/
Here is a link to the TriStar Website; be sure to click on the "About Us" link and take a look at the "History of Products" page:
http://www.tristarclean.com/
danemodsandy
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OOPS!
Sorry, I mis-spoke about the filtration path on TriStars. Air passes through the paper bag FIRST, then the cloth bag, then the other two filters mentioned.
Mea maxima culpa. Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault....
Sorry, I mis-spoke about the filtration path on TriStars. Air passes through the paper bag FIRST, then the cloth bag, then the other two filters mentioned.
Mea maxima culpa. Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault....
danemodsandy
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George:
No uprights - TriStar has always stuck to canisters.
A vintage Compact-based TriStar is a much better bet than the new MG Series machines. The new machines have less suction than old ones, and a less expensive motor has been substituted for the former Ametek unit. Accessory quality is far lower than before; plastic wands now substitute for metal ones, and the former cast-aluminum rug and floor tools have been replaced with ordinary plastic versions. Given that an MG Series TriStar goes for between two and three grand, depending on the deal, this feels unacceptable. The great thing about Compact-based TriStars is that they are built to LAST, not to require constant upkeep in the form of replaced wands and tools.
Vintage machines are plentiful, on eBay all the time. While owners tend to keep their TriStars forever, what's happening is that older owners are dying off, and the kids don't know that the vacuum is anything special.
If you look at vintage ones, hold out for the most complete example you can find; replacement parts for any TriStar are expensive. I ended up with about $400 in my CXL, because it was missing some tools and needed a few replacement parts and a hose.
Again, current TriStars just don't have the reputation for durability that the older ones have.
No uprights - TriStar has always stuck to canisters.
A vintage Compact-based TriStar is a much better bet than the new MG Series machines. The new machines have less suction than old ones, and a less expensive motor has been substituted for the former Ametek unit. Accessory quality is far lower than before; plastic wands now substitute for metal ones, and the former cast-aluminum rug and floor tools have been replaced with ordinary plastic versions. Given that an MG Series TriStar goes for between two and three grand, depending on the deal, this feels unacceptable. The great thing about Compact-based TriStars is that they are built to LAST, not to require constant upkeep in the form of replaced wands and tools.
Vintage machines are plentiful, on eBay all the time. While owners tend to keep their TriStars forever, what's happening is that older owners are dying off, and the kids don't know that the vacuum is anything special.
If you look at vintage ones, hold out for the most complete example you can find; replacement parts for any TriStar are expensive. I ended up with about $400 in my CXL, because it was missing some tools and needed a few replacement parts and a hose.
Again, current TriStars just don't have the reputation for durability that the older ones have.
danemodsandy
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Buying a New TriStar:
George:
If you'll look on the TriStar Website, there's a toll-free number on the "Contact Us" page of the "About Us" link. TriStar is sold by home demonstration only, so a rep would have to come see you at home or office. Call the toll-free number to have a rep schedule with you.
George:
If you'll look on the TriStar Website, there's a toll-free number on the "Contact Us" page of the "About Us" link. TriStar is sold by home demonstration only, so a rep would have to come see you at home or office. Call the toll-free number to have a rep schedule with you.
I will always buy vintage Eureka and Sanitaire products from 1990 or earlier, if possible.
~Ben
~Ben
danemodsandy
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George:
Yes, that is the way new TriStars are sold.
I don't personally care for Riccars, but then they're plastic, which something I avoid in vacs, at least as far as the main body is concerned. Plastic - of whatever kind or of whatever quality - ages, becoming distorted and brittle over the years. It makes new vacs very affordable, but it also makes another new vac a near-necessity sooner or later.
If you want an upright capable of going for years and years, there's always Kirby. If you buy a new one, you're registered as the owner, and they'll refurbish it for you any time you like, for a fee, putting it back into like-new condition. The only catch is that they use "equivalent" parts when refurbishing, not necessarily the exact items or colors that were on the vac new. This does not matter to many owners, but people like the collectors here - who can spot a substituted belt lifter from across Madison Square Garden - care a lot.
Yes, that is the way new TriStars are sold.
I don't personally care for Riccars, but then they're plastic, which something I avoid in vacs, at least as far as the main body is concerned. Plastic - of whatever kind or of whatever quality - ages, becoming distorted and brittle over the years. It makes new vacs very affordable, but it also makes another new vac a near-necessity sooner or later.
If you want an upright capable of going for years and years, there's always Kirby. If you buy a new one, you're registered as the owner, and they'll refurbish it for you any time you like, for a fee, putting it back into like-new condition. The only catch is that they use "equivalent" parts when refurbishing, not necessarily the exact items or colors that were on the vac new. This does not matter to many owners, but people like the collectors here - who can spot a substituted belt lifter from across Madison Square Garden - care a lot.
joshdonnell
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Ehh
ill just stick to my plastic. Thanks tho
ill just stick to my plastic. Thanks tho
fan-of-fans
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I agree that one of the major issues that happened is when the name and logo were sold to Swedish company. I think most people think that the Electrolux machines that are sold in big box stores are related to the original Electrolux, and know nothing of Aerus. I certainly didn't, and there are no Aerus stores near me that I know of. Aerus would probably be a totally unheard of brand in my area.
Another thing I don't get is why Aerus doesn't seem to update the machines much. They don't have a lot of features that many other brands of vacuums have, not to mention being much more expensive. They seem kind of stuck in the past and haven't updated with more modern features. Is a reason to buy an Aerus over a Kenmore, Miele or other brands?
Another thing I don't get is why Aerus doesn't seem to update the machines much. They don't have a lot of features that many other brands of vacuums have, not to mention being much more expensive. They seem kind of stuck in the past and haven't updated with more modern features. Is a reason to buy an Aerus over a Kenmore, Miele or other brands?
danemodsandy
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Cole:
That's another problem - the lack of visible updates. Just making different colors isn't really enough. When American Electrolux was at its height, it took great care to update the overall looks of the machines regularly - look at the 1205, the Golden J, the Super J, Olympia, Silverado and so on. Then you get to the Diamond Jubilee, and the changes stop - it's really just color changes from that point forward to the Grand Marquise/Ultralux.
I don't think that did sales any good. I KNOW it didn't do the excitement factor any good.
That's another problem - the lack of visible updates. Just making different colors isn't really enough. When American Electrolux was at its height, it took great care to update the overall looks of the machines regularly - look at the 1205, the Golden J, the Super J, Olympia, Silverado and so on. Then you get to the Diamond Jubilee, and the changes stop - it's really just color changes from that point forward to the Grand Marquise/Ultralux.
I don't think that did sales any good. I KNOW it didn't do the excitement factor any good.
simple system
"Electrolux had a relatively simple system that woked well for everyone from factory to customers across America.All branches were company owned and all employees from the president to the newest salesman were employees of Electrolux......There was a simple easily understood lineup of machines for any home,business or cleaning need with a one price policy as they were consigned to branch and salesmen until sold to customer.Electrolux did their own financing and every branch had service department."
Always wondered why Kirby did not use this same type of system......
"Electrolux had a relatively simple system that woked well for everyone from factory to customers across America.All branches were company owned and all employees from the president to the newest salesman were employees of Electrolux......There was a simple easily understood lineup of machines for any home,business or cleaning need with a one price policy as they were consigned to branch and salesmen until sold to customer.Electrolux did their own financing and every branch had service department."
Always wondered why Kirby did not use this same type of system......
kirbyloverdan
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I think all D2D
Vacuum companies have all been doing color changes and tweaks here and there.
TriStar , Filter Queen , Kirby , Miracle Mate and many others all are guilty of it not just Aerus .Aerus in NJ is doing very well there are no TriStars sold in the Southern part of the State I am not sure about the rest of NJ but no one even knows of the brand .
Vacuum companies have all been doing color changes and tweaks here and there.
TriStar , Filter Queen , Kirby , Miracle Mate and many others all are guilty of it not just Aerus .Aerus in NJ is doing very well there are no TriStars sold in the Southern part of the State I am not sure about the rest of NJ but no one even knows of the brand .
I still say Aerus should upgrade their rather loose relationship with Switzerland's Lux International. It would be a real novel addition to the vac market in North America to see a cool "Lux Intelligence" canister vacuum cleaner over on this side of the Atlantic.
bimmer740
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The Aerus dealer that is only about 5 minutes from my house still seems to be doing well. They have been in the same location for more than 20 years and the sign above the store was never changed (its in a strip mall) and still says ELECTROLUX. Aerus/Electrolux vacuums have always been very propular here as they are easy to use and often lasted for many years. I was in the Aerus store two weeks ago to buy 2 chrome wands and replacement brush strips for the combination floor tool, had a nice converstation with the sales lady who has been there forever, and walked out with $78 less in my wallet. The wands are made nicely and I know they will last forever so I guess their price of $27 each was justified.
Electrolux/Aerus did make a HUGE change in their product line up when they introduced the Renaissance back in 1994. It was a completely new body style, with a design reminiscent of the model XXX, and it was completely different from any machine Lux was producing at that time or had been making previously. While not everyone was thrilled with the plastic wand set up, it was a new innovation, as well as the digital handle controls that now allowed the user to control every function of the machine at their fingertips. And lets not forget the longer cord, finally a Lux tank with a cord longer than 20 feet! Although the reliability of the first Renaissance machines wasn't up to par with other Lux vacuums, they did sort out most problems with the machine.
As for why Electrolux would have gone through all the trouble to produce this machine and then totally abandon the R-style machines is something we will never know. The Renaissance body, even though it dates back to 94, is the most recently designed body style, and Lux could have improved further upon this machine. With some minor improvements it certainly would have been a solid TOL machine to compete with others on the market as well as justify its premium price tag. I have always loved Electrolux vacuums, it’s the vacuum that started it all for me, but the Aerus corporation really leaves me scratching my head wondering what the hell they are thinking!! If only one of us in this club could be in control of the company, then Lux could be restored back to its former glory. I guess that’s just wishful thinking though.
Electrolux/Aerus did make a HUGE change in their product line up when they introduced the Renaissance back in 1994. It was a completely new body style, with a design reminiscent of the model XXX, and it was completely different from any machine Lux was producing at that time or had been making previously. While not everyone was thrilled with the plastic wand set up, it was a new innovation, as well as the digital handle controls that now allowed the user to control every function of the machine at their fingertips. And lets not forget the longer cord, finally a Lux tank with a cord longer than 20 feet! Although the reliability of the first Renaissance machines wasn't up to par with other Lux vacuums, they did sort out most problems with the machine.
As for why Electrolux would have gone through all the trouble to produce this machine and then totally abandon the R-style machines is something we will never know. The Renaissance body, even though it dates back to 94, is the most recently designed body style, and Lux could have improved further upon this machine. With some minor improvements it certainly would have been a solid TOL machine to compete with others on the market as well as justify its premium price tag. I have always loved Electrolux vacuums, it’s the vacuum that started it all for me, but the Aerus corporation really leaves me scratching my head wondering what the hell they are thinking!! If only one of us in this club could be in control of the company, then Lux could be restored back to its former glory. I guess that’s just wishful thinking though.
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