40℃热浪夺命，“不靠空调过夏”的欧洲人扛不住了，有中国产品被抢空

Core Viewpoint - Europe is experiencing extreme heat waves, leading to increased demand for air conditioning, particularly from Chinese brands, as traditional attitudes towards air conditioning are shifting due to climate change and rising temperatures [2][10][16]. Group 1: Current Weather Conditions - Since June, multiple countries in Europe have recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, causing disruptions in transportation and education, and resulting in heat-related fatalities [2][5]. - The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reported that June 2023 may become one of the hottest on record for Europe, with heat waves occurring more frequently and intensely due to climate change [3][4]. Group 2: Air Conditioning Market Dynamics - In the first five months of 2025, the European market for household air conditioning units saw a total of 12.773 million units sold, marking a 31.5% year-on-year increase, with Chinese brands leading the growth [2][17]. - The air conditioning penetration rate in Europe remains low, with only about 20% of households equipped with air conditioning, compared to nearly 90% in the U.S. and Japan [6][10]. Group 3: Cultural and Structural Factors - Historical climate conditions and building traditions in Europe have contributed to a reluctance to adopt air conditioning, as many buildings are designed to stay cool naturally [10][11]. - Cultural perceptions have historically viewed air conditioning as a luxury rather than a necessity, with many Europeans preferring natural ventilation methods [10][11]. Group 4: Economic Considerations - High electricity prices in Europe, exacerbated by the energy crisis following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, make the operational costs of air conditioning a concern for many households [11][13]. - Reports indicate that over a quarter of consumers in France may struggle to pay energy bills by 2024, highlighting the economic barriers to air conditioning adoption [11][12]. Group 5: Market Opportunities for Companies - The increasing demand for air conditioning presents significant market opportunities for manufacturers, particularly Chinese companies like Midea and Haier, which have reported substantial sales growth in Europe [17][18]. - Midea's PortaSplit air conditioning units have sold out in Germany and France, indicating strong consumer interest and market potential [17][18].