LG Elec aims 22 pct rise in 2008 air-con shipments

SEOUL, Jan 9 (Reuters) - South Korea's LG Electronics Inc (066570.KS) said on Wednesday it was targeting 22 percent growth in its global air-conditioner shipments this year to $5 billion.

LG, the world's biggest maker of home air conditioners, expects growing sales in emerging markets, such as India and Brazil, to offset the impact of a slower U.S. economy, Nho Hwan-yong, executive vice president of LG's air conditioning division, told reporters.

LG reported $4.1 billion in 2007 air conditioner shipments and $4.8 billion in sales, according to the company. (Reporting by Rhee So-eui; Editing by Sei Chong)