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OVERVIEW

Several of the leading appliance technology innovators are focusing their R&D expenditures on advanced technologies that will help to minimize environmental concerns. General Electric spent $3.9 billion on R&D expenditures in 2010 focusing on energy-efficient products for consumers and businesses. LG Electronics spent a total of $1.31 billion on R&D expenditures in 2010 and is focusing on making major products 15% more efficient than they were in 2007 by the year 2012.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, one of the leading appliance technology innovators, dedicated $1.7 billion on R&D expenditures in 2010, up from $1.5 billion in 2009. The company's R&D increase was dedicated to improving technology and services.

Samsung Electronics' R&D expenditures increased the most in 2010, up $1.5 billion from $6.49 billion in 2009. The company has shifted its business focus from hardware to software content.