air365 Max and air365 Max Pro address these evolving building needs by delivering best‑in‑class energy efficiency that supports BEAM Plus Gold and Platinum aspirations. With EER levels up to 5.60 and COP up to 5.31, air365 Max Pro reduces the energy burden on entire building systems. Its advanced SmoothDrive 2.0 technology further enhances part‑load performance, cutting energy consumption by up to 39% at 33% load, reducing refrigerant usage by 10%, and contributing to a 47% decrease in seasonal energy use and CO2 emissions. These improvements ease pressure on complementary systems such as lighting, ventilation, and pumping, while reducing operational emissions.

Beyond performance metrics, air365 Max Pro is engineered for project‑wide simplicity. Architects and designers benefit from flexible system architecture, including single modules up to 28/30HP (HP/CO) and combinations up to 112/120HP (HP/CO), extended piping allowances, and a 200% connection ratio. Installers gain faster execution through NFC-enabled commissioning with airCloud Tap. Operators benefit from IoT monitoring, streamlined maintenance tools such as WRC and operation‑data memorization, plus stable comfort enabled by IAQ options, patented smart defrost, precise temperature control, and a wide operating range. Together, these strengths make air365 Max Pro ideal for government facilities, hospitals, and Class A commercial buildings prioritizing long‑term comfort, stability, and efficiency.

Complementing this high‑efficiency approach, air365 SideSmart, the world's first slim modular VRF, addresses Hong Kong's space constraints with an exclusive concept starting from just 1650×1050×420mm. A single 18HP module matches the capacity of conventional top‑discharge units while occupying far less space. Its modular design allows up to four interconnected units, delivering a maximum of 72HP (200kW cooling capacity), along with flexible configurations such as 48HP setups or Standard/Economic combinations ranging from 20HP to 72HP. Powered by exclusive Hitachi Cooling & Heating technology, air365 SideSmart achieves top-tier energy efficiency for its class.

This compact, scalable architecture makes air365 SideSmart particularly suited to Hong Kong's dense urban environment. It fits easily into tight plant rooms, low‑ceiling back‑of‑house areas, and retrofits where structural changes are limited, make it ideal for government buildings, malls, hospitals, and banks requiring upgrades within constrained spaces.

Global deployments highlight this adaptability: at Sambo Motors in Mexico, units were rooftop-installed without cranes, while a Colombian bank retrofit used air365 SideSmart with Set Free Mini systems to overcome airflow limits and achieve precise zone control. These cases mirror Hong Kong's need for space efficiency, zoning accuracy, and uninterrupted operation.

Looking ahead, Hitachi Cooling & Heating is advancing green building practices by aligning HVAC innovation with regulatory priorities and real-world constraints. Through solutions such as air365 Max Pro and air365 SideSmart, the company is helping create a practical pathway toward sustainable, high-performance buildings, supporting Hong Kong's drive to scale net-zero-ready infrastructure across both new developments and existing urban assets.

About Hitachi Cooling & Heating

Now part of the Bosch Home Comfort Group, Hitachi Cooling & Heating delivers advanced HVAC solutions built on over 90 years of expertise, enhancing indoor comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. Guided by the principle "air is life," each product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure durability, reliability, and lasting performance for modern living and working environments.

"Our continued engagement with the AHR Expo reflects both consistency and strategic focus," said Wisdom Hao, GM of Guangzhou Bosch Home Comfort Group Compressor Technology Co., Ltd. "North America remains a key strategic region, particularly as it faces tighter performance benchmarks and higher expectations for long-term operational stability."

Through the showcase at the AHR Expo 2026, Hitachi Scroll Compressor presented its newly launched products alongside proven models, demonstrating how the portfolio evolves to meet customer requirements.

A major highlight at its booth was its newly introduced high-efficiency low-side scroll compressor, designed in response to rising efficiency expectations and application demands in the unitary market. Aligned with global energy-saving and decarbonization trends, the product delivers measurable improvements in seasonal efficiency, lower operating noise, and stable performance under varying load conditions. It represents the latest generation in Hitachi's scroll compressor technology roadmap, building on decades of expertise while introducing targeted upgrades for today's efficiency-driven market.

The two-stage design originates from the world's first scroll compressor family developed by Hitachi and inherits its benchmark performance and durability. An upgraded solenoid valve enables precise two-step capacity control, supporting more efficient part-load operation, while the scroll load design has been optimized to meet SEER2 requirements. A newly developed motor improves light-load performance, and high-precision machining and assembly contribute to durability and operational stability. Dual compliance for liquid and debris handling further strengthens robustness in real-world conditions.

In addition to low-side solutions, Hitachi Scroll Compressor showcased a lineup of high-side scroll compressors addressing a broader range of North American applications, including heat pump heating and cooling, commercial refrigeration and cold storage, as well as data center and equipment cooling. As demand increases for systems capable of stable operation across wider temperature ranges, the high-side scroll compressors offer strong adaptability and performance consistency.

Designed with a wide operating envelope, the high-side scroll compressors support stable operation in both heating and cooling modes. They are compatible with environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R290, R32, and R454B, aligning with the industry's shift toward lower-global-warming-potential solutions. Compatibility with enhanced vapor injection technology further enhances heating efficiency, particularly in colder climates.

Together, the technologies presented at AHR Expo underscored Hitachi Scroll Compressor's innovation strategy—advancing core compressor technologies while closely aligning with regulatory trends and end-user priorities. From residential and light commercial systems to complex industrial applications, the company's portfolio is designed to help equipment manufacturers achieve higher efficiency, quieter operation, and dependable long-term performance.

Looking ahead, Hitachi Scroll Compressor plans to deepen collaboration across the HVACR value chain, using international platforms such as AHR Expo to share insights, gather market feedback, and accelerate the adoption of efficient, reliable, and sustainable compressor technologies amid the global energy transition.

For more information, please visit https://compressors.hitachiaircon.com/en.

During this significant event, the newly launched low-side scroll compressor stands out with advanced features, including an optimized involute design for low GWP refrigerants that boosts efficiency while maintaining the world-class dependability of Hitachi's pioneering scroll compressor family. Engineered to be compatible with both R454B and R32 refrigerants, it aligns with green initiatives by providing a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution. The compressor also features a new high-efficiency hermetic motor and an optimized load for stable operation across its entire range, ensuring exceptional functionality and reliability.

In addition, Hitachi Scroll Compressor showcased its extensive range of high-side scroll compressors, highlighting the company's commitment to product diversity and innovation. This comprehensive product line caters to a wide array of applications, including VRF systems, chillers, heat pumps, transport, refrigeration, and energy storage solutions. By deeply understanding user needs, Hitachi Scroll Compressor continuously innovates its products to meet the increasingly specialized demands of the market, ensuring exceptional user experiences.

Wisdom Hao, General Manager at China & Southeast Asia/Pacific Compressor Business Unit of Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Inc., said: "Our independent presence at the AHR Expo marks a significant step in our global strategy as we enter the North American market. We are committed to our strategy of Full Inverter, New Refrigerant and New Globalization. This exhibition not only highlights Hitachi Scroll Compressor's strength in technological innovation but also underscores our commitment to this key market. With advanced technology and an extensive product range, we aim to deeply cultivate the North American market creating greater value for our customers."

Hitachi Scroll Compressor remains committed to its dedication towards "New Refrigerant" adoption and international expansion by pushing technological innovations that accelerate growth in global markets. By maintaining a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, the company aims to provide solutions that not only meet but exceed market expectations, reinforcing its position as a leader in the HVAC industry.

About Hitachi Scroll Compressor:

In 1983, HITACHI introduced the world's first scroll compressor tailored for air-conditioning applications. Four years later, the brand launched the world's premier scroll compressor designed for Railway AC systems.

In 1988, HITACHI unveiled the world's debut scroll compressor engineered specifically for Refrigeration purposes.

By 2008, HITACHI created China's inaugural R410A DC inverter scroll compressor, integrating cutting-edge dynamic oil balance management technology.

At Hitachi Scroll Compressor, our unwavering commitment is to infuse comfort and harmony into your living and working spaces through the continual innovation of energy-efficient and eco-friendly compressors. With over eight decades of pioneering innovation, our premium compressors have earned a reputation as the optimal choice for dependability and quality.

For more information visit: https://compressors.hitachiaircon.com/en