(Yicai) June 30 -- Extreme heat across Europe this summer has fueled strong demand for portable split air conditioners developed by Chinese manufacturers specifically for Western European markets, prompting some consumers to queue to buy the products as suppliers race to increase output and speed up deliveries.

The surge reflects changing demand in markets where household air conditioner penetration remains relatively low because installation costs often exceed the price of the unit itself, and waiting times during summer can stretch beyond two months. Chinese manufacturers have responded by developing portable split models with separate indoor and outdoor units that require no drilling or permanent installation.

"Our air conditioner sales have grown strongly in parts of Western Europe this year. Markets with relatively low air conditioner penetration, including France, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have all recorded year-on-year sales growth of more than 70 percent," the head of Midea's overseas air conditioning business told Yicai.

Another executive from Midea's air conditioning division said the company developed its Portasplit portable split air conditioner specifically for Western Europe. Although the unit sells at a higher price than conventional models, customers avoid expensive installation fees, resulting in a lower overall ownership cost.

Midea's factory in southern China's Shunde is operating overtime to increase production of Portasplit units, the executive said.

The company is also strengthening coordination with upstream suppliers to secure raw material supplies while arranging shipments through the China-Europe Railway Express to shorten delivery times. Products will be supplied to retailers as quickly as possible after arriving in Europe, the executive added.

Chinese Brands Race to Meet Surging Demand

Other Chinese manufacturers are also reporting robust growth. A representative from Gree Electric Appliances told Yicai that the company's air conditioner sales revenue in France, Italy, and Spain rose more than 40 percent year on year in the first half.

Portable air conditioners have become especially popular because they require no permanent installation, leaving distributors with almost no inventory, the representative said. Installation appointments for conventional air conditioners have already been booked through the end of August.

"Air conditioners have already sold out in some parts of Europe," Chen Shaolin, president of TCL Technology Group Corporation's AC business unit, told Yicai.

Li Xuefei, an analyst at Industry Online, said Chinese manufacturers have introduced customized products for the European market. Portable, drill-free air conditioners have become China's main air conditioner export to Europe this year and have turned into best-selling products following the recent heatwaves.

Industry Online data show China's household air conditioner exports to Western Europe rose almost 10 percent year on year in the first five months, while exports of portable split air conditioners jumped more than 70 percent.

Xiao Youyuan, chairman of AC company Samyou Environmental Technology, told Yicai that air conditioner penetration remains relatively low in the UK, France, Germany, and northern Italy because summers have traditionally been mild. As global warming continues, household air conditioner adoption in those markets still has considerable room to grow.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine