U.S. government rebate program for energy-efficient household appliances boosts demand, the Swedish company said.

• Obama’s ‘green plan’ boosts Swedish companies

Electrolux, the world’s second- biggest appliance maker, posted a rise in second-quarter net profit and said its recession-struck markets were showing signs of recovery, especially in North America. The result represented a record for a second quarter.

“All business areas show improved profitability,” Chief Executive Hans Stråberg said. “We will see continued growth in North America in the coming years, as many American consumers need to replace their old appliances, which are beginning to reach the end of their life cycles.”

Second-quarter net income was 1.03 billion kronor ($139 million), up from 658 million kronor a year earlier. That was better than analysts’ expectations. Sales fell 0.6 percent to 27.31 billion kronor.

The US government rebates to stimulate sales of energy-efficient products have contributed to strong growth, said the Stockholm-based maker of vacuum cleaners, fridges and dishwashers.

The overall European market stabilized during the quarter. Important markets, such as Germany, France and Sweden showed positive trends, the company said, but noted markets in southern Europe weakened a lot at the end of the quarter. Sales also grew in the Asia/Pacific region and Latin America.

Hans Stråberg said that despite "great uncertainty", he continued to think that "2010 could be the year we approach our goal of an operating margin of 6.0 percent with continued improved capital efficiency."

Full statement by Hans Stråberg.