In early October 2010, LG Electronics discontinued a number of models in its line of front-loading washing machines. In all cases they were venerable old models that, to a large extent, had been replaced some time ago by other models. The models that have been discontinued are: WM2050CW, WM2016CW, WM0642HW and WM3001HWA.
The WM0642HW was one of the older models of front-loading washers LG had to offer. With this discontinuation, LG no longer has a front-load washer to offer with the controls located in the same place as a traditional top-load washer. Most other manufacturers don’t have an offer in this niche either, so this is probably a wise business decision. As for washers LG has yet to offer with a similar capacity and feature list, the WM2101HW has the same 4.0 cu.ft. capacity as the new WM2140CW.
The WM2050CW has been around for quite some time, and while it has served the LG brand well, it was competing with newer models in sales. However, recently LG released the WM2140CW which was clearly meant to be the replacement for the WM2050CW. With the same capacity, but with all the newer features and a similar price, the WM2050CW was beaten by everyone. In fact, the WM2050CW has been sharing sales with the WM2101HW in the 4.0 cu. ft. space in LG’s line of front-load washers for quite some time.
At one point not too long ago, the WM3001HWA was the flagship front-loading washer LG had to offer. It had all the bells and whistles, the steam cycles, a large capacity and fancy controls. However, those days are long gone. The WM2801HWA, which has been available for quite some time, is a newer and more economical replacement, replacing the WM3001HWA for the 4.5 cu. ft. steam washer market. Not only that, with the WM3875HWCA being rumored to be on its way to discontinuation, and the WM3885HWCA having a larger capacity and more features, the WM3001HWA was no longer the best in LG steam cleaning front load washers. Not only that, but the ultra-popular WM2501HWA steam washer is a bit behind in area of size, but far less expensive.
The most notable discontinuation is, in all likelihood, the WM2016CW. This is a front load washer that has been around for a while and has been an extremely successful model. For quite some time it was the entry-level front loader in the LG lineup. In its time in the spotlight, it sold many units and garnered rave reviews from consumers before being largely superseded by the WM2010CW.
The discontinuation of these models does not mark any weakening of LG’s portfolio, rather it represents a strengthening. Aside from the WM0642HW, which had been serving a niche that is now vacant in LG’s model lineup, all other models have been superseded by newer, more advanced, and in most cases less expensive models. LG continues to be one of the world leaders in sales and production of front-loading washing machines. Feel free to read more front load washer reviews.
