New R&D alliance in the works

A research and development alliance for the "smart" home appliances industry will be formed today, sources from the Ministry of Economic Affairs said yesterday. Major manufacturers, including Taiwan Hitachi, Matsushita Taiwan, Sampo Co (聲寶), Tatung Co (大同), Kolin Co (歌林) and TECO Electric and Machinery Co (東元), will join the alliance, the sources said. With the demand for "smart" home appliances expected to increase in future, members of the alliance can establish common technology and procurement systems, as well as develop common home appliance types, parts and components to lower costs, they said. But so-called "smart" appliances have yet to win over consumers.