Nokia and Whirlpool Announce Co-operation to Create Joint Solutions for the Networked Home

Nokia, a global leader in telecommunications and Whirlpool, the world’s leading major domestic appliance manufacturer, have signed a letter of intent to cooperate in the creation of innovative networked solutions for the home. Together, the two companies will evaluate new business models for bringing innovative products and services to the home products market.

Whirlpool Europe President Bengt Engstrom said, “We consider Nokia an ideal partner in our joint quest to bring wireless, networked intelligence to the home. Our companies are global players and possess powerful consumer brands. We are both thinking about solutions that will fit tomorrow’s homes and the always-on, connected lifestyle, a fast emerging trend amongst many of our customers.”

“Nokia Home Communications develop home IP (Internet Protocol) products for communication, entertainment and wireless networking and Whirlpool is clearly at the forefront of internet-enabled home appliances. Bundling the two and adding the remote power of mobile devices will help make everyday life easier for consumers," said Heikki Koskinen, Vice President and General Manager, Nokia Home Communications.

The agreement comes amidst growing interest in how consumers using home appliances can benefit from the fast emerging technologies such as Internet and wireless connectivity and how this can bring tangible advantages to everyday communication and tasks.

Nokia is paving the way to the Mobile Information Society with its innovative products and solutions. The company is the leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks, related services as well as multimedia terminals. In 1999, Nokia's net sales totaled EUR 19.8 billion (USD 19.9 billion). Headquartered in Finland, Nokia is listed on the New York (NOK), Helsinki, Stockholm, London, Frankfurt and Paris stock exchanges and employs more than 56,000 people.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, the company manufactures in 13 countries and markets products under 11 major brand names in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.WhirlpoolCorp.com

Further information:
Katarina Hägg, Nokia Home Communications
Tel. +49 709 93 83 57
katarina.hagg@nokia.com

Rebecca Sabre, Nokia Home Communications US
Tel. +1 617 306 43 79
rebecca.sabre@nokia.com

Christoper Wyse, Whirlpool Corporation
Tel. +1 616 923 3417
christopher_j_wyse@email.whirlpool.com

Sarah Brady, Whirlpool Europe
Tel. +39 0332 758195
sarah_brady@email.whirlpool.com

www.nokia.com