The Suite Spot

Grabbing a Bite: Michael Ahn

Three years ago, LG Electronics tried to market a high-tech refrigerator with a computer monitor embedded in the door. Consumers, it turned out, weren't ready to pay $8,000 to surf the Web in their kitchens. But the venture helped LG identify another innovation that's been more popular: combo refrigerator-TVs.

In an era of show homes, LG's trendy-and expensive-appliances have found a ready market. While LG isn't as big as Sony or Panasonic, the company's roots in tech-savvy South Korea provide an effective test bed for hot global products. "Korean consumers like beautiful design in home appliances, because homes are very small," explains Michael Ahn, president and CEO of LG's North American operations.

Americans are taking to those stylish appliances, too. Over salad and pasta in northern New Jersey, near LG's U.S. headquarters, Ahn explains how the company has quickly carved out an enviable niche. LG is the No. 2 U.S. cellphone maker, behind Motorola. Its other products-a selective lineup of washers and dryers, refrigerators, ranges, TVs, and other appliances-are all top shelf. "We want to put the LG brand only on high-end products," Ahn says. LG has a healthy 10 percent share of the U.S. plasma TV market but doesn't even sell conventional TVs under its name.

Ahn still has work to do. Among the challenges: A weak dollar makes LG's imports more costly here. And Whirlpool's acquisition of Maytag earlier this year created a "superpower" that's a formidable competitor. Ahn is circumspect about forthcoming products that will provide an edge. But keep an eye out for more gizmos in the refrigerator door.