Whirlpool Brand's CentralPark Connector Maximizes Kitchen Efficiency with Refrigerator as Home Electronics HubIntuitive Interface Offers Platform for a Variety of Consumer Electronics Devices

ORLANDO, Fla., February 7, 2007 -Whirlpool brand is offering a look at the digital home of tomorrow with the centralpark™ connector, a concept plug-and-play platform that offers new functionality on the home's most touched appliance - the refrigerator. Whirlpool brand's centralpark™ interface made its International Builders' Show debut in February and allowed consumers to interact with and interchange electronic devices right on the refrigerator door.

Intuitive Interface Offers Platform for a Variety of Consumer Electronics Devices

This innovative and aesthetically integrated solution provides a hub for entertainment and a connection point on the door with power and physical support for consumer electronics devices. Whirlpool brand's centralpark™ port offers flexibility and personalization to consumers, allowing them to not only "park" but also to interact with their electronic devices in a central location. Additionally, with the life cycle of appliances being significantly longer than that of consumer electronic devices, the flexibility of the centralpark platform allows consumers to update their electronics at anytime, avoiding the pitfalls of having a built-in option that cannot be replaced and may be difficult to repair if damaged.

"As an industry leader, Whirlpool brand is constantly feeding its innovation pipeline with cutting-edge, forward-thinking products like the centralpark™ connector," said David Swift, president of Whirlpool North America. "We believe the centralpark™ port is a logical next step toward the Smart Home of Tomorrow that provides a critical link for consumer electronics and home appliances on a platform that consumers want."

Whirlpool brand prides itself on integrating consumer insights into their products. When researching consumers' entertainment needs, the appliance brand found they want to free up countertop space that their electronic devices take up. Whirlpool brand's research shows that countertops are cluttered with electronic devices such as digital picture frames, DVD systems, satellite radios, cell phones, MP3 players, etc. The centralpark™ dock allows consumers to unclutter the countertops and use these devices while in the kitchen, at eye level, even while they are being charged.

Compatible devices are easily installed or removed, allowing centralpark™ connector-enabled refrigerators to keep their familiar facade when not in use as an electronics hub. Whirlpool brand expects consumers to find the centralpark™ port cost effective, because the design allows them to use devices they already own. The best-known electronic brands will be compatible with the plug-and-play platform of the centralpark™ hub, which will be available as an exclusive in late 2007, with a mass rollout planned for spring 2008.

The centralpark™ connector is the latest cadence of innovation from Whirlpool brand, complementing initiatives such as the Mealtime pilot, Laundry Time experiment and the concept flatscreen TV microwave, demonstrating a continued commitment to innovation. Currently, Whirlpool brand is working with Jabil, a global electronic product solutions company, to bring the design of this innovative concept product to market in 2007. Whirlpool brand will be announcing additional partners throughout the year that will further integrate the familiar refrigerator into today's digital lifestyles.

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 80,000 employees, and more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

Contact:
Will Jordan
Peppercom for Whirlpool
212.931.6131
wjordan@peppercom.com

Marya Pongrace
Peppercom for Whirlpool
212.931.6142
mpongrace@peppercom.com