Hi Shannon, Great looking machines, I do love the LCD display.
All of the Maytag and Whirlpool DD machines are full imports. Once Maytag owned Hoover, Hoover became the cheap washing machine brand and Maytag became the very expensive option. IE TOL Hoover $800, TOL Maytag $1400. Maytag has all but dissapeared from AU now, however the Whirlpool machines regularily retail in TOL form for $899. The Neptune Machines cost as much as a High end Miele.
Maytag has been in AU since 1980 or so and Whirlpool DD since 1991.
F&P developed that machine and got a 4star water consumption rating, thus it is eligble for a govt rebate when purchasing. There is some controversy about it getting the rating, as when the eco programming is turned off, its no better than any other top loading machine.
But good on F&P for trying to remain competitive. Apparantly the Refridgeration Plant here in Brisbane is laying off staff now, as 1/3 of their manufacturing goes to the US and due to the US recession, there has been a big dip in the purchase of the imported machines.
Apparantly the F&P Washer manufacturing has already left AU for the sunny shores of Thailand.
