KJ Series Air Conditioners for the European Market Win Red Dot Design Award 2026
Long-lasting Product that Fits into Daily Life with Compact Design and Energy-saving Performance
General Inc. (formerly Fujitsu General) today announced that the KJ Series compact air conditioners for the European market have won the Red Dot Design Award 2026. The Red Dot is one of the world’s top three design awards. The KJ Series was highly praised not only for its aesthetics and compact design, which blend harmoniously with European living spaces, but also for the value it offers throughout the entire product lifecycle, including its energy-saving performance and environmentally conscious design.
Features of the KJ Series
1. Minimalist design that blends into the space
In the European market, air conditioners are expected to blend seamlessly into the indoor environment and harmonize with the interior design.This series features a minimalist exterior that softens its mechanical feel, while its refined curves harmonize with sophisticated European interiors. The result is a timeless design that users will cherish for years to come.
2. Easy installation thanks to its compact design
The product features a compact design *1 measuring 798 mm in width. This makes it suitable for limited spaces, such as above a door, reducing the cramped feel.
3. Balancing energy-saving performance and comfort
The series offers A+++ energy-saving performance, the highest rating under the European energy efficiency standards. It also features a human sensor *2 to detect human presence and adjust operation, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing excessive heating and cooling.
4. Improved cleanliness through heat sterilization of heat exchanger
Our patented heat exchanger heat sterilization feature *3 has been incorporated into our product line outside Japan for the first time. During cooling or dehumidification operation, moisture generated inside the indoor unit is heated to 55°C or higher, helping remove mold and improve cleanliness.
5. Environmentally conscious design
The modular design reduces the number of components and painted parts, which decreases material consumption and energy use during manufacturing. We have also increased the use of paper-based packaging materials to lower the environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
Comments from the Jury
This air conditioning unit impresses with a concept focused on delivering durability and sustainability, both finding expression in its minimalist form.
General has developed the KJ Series to offer products with a compact design that blends seamlessly into living spaces while also improving energy efficiency and cleanliness. Going forward, General will continue to provide value beyond ordinary air conditioners through product development tailored to the needs of each region, supporting comfortable and sustainable lifestyles.
- *1
- KJ Series dimensions: 270 mm (H) × 798 mm (W) × 240 mm (D)
- *2
- Human sensor: A feature that detects whether anyone is present in the room and automatically adjusts operation to reduce unnecessary power consumption.
- *3
- [Test method] “Before and after” comparison of heat sterilization. We confirmed that mold levels were reduced by 99% or more after 10 minutes (1 species of mold was tested). [Testing institution] Kitasato Research Center for Environmental Science. [Report No.] Hokusei-hatsu 2025_1003. Some of the microbial solution in the heat exchanger was collected and evaluated. Effectiveness may decline depending on operating conditions. Note that this function does not eliminate odors or stains.
Reference
About the Red Dot Design Award
The Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s top three design awards, with nearly 70 years of history since its founding in 1955. Hosted by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, it is recognized as an internationally prestigious award.
The Product category evaluates designs launched globally within the past two years, based on nine criteria including innovation, functionality, and durability. Around 40 international experts individually evaluate each product under the motto “In search of good design and innovation.”
