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Panasonic

Panasonic is the global brand name for consumer electronics and other electric products manufactured by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. of Japan. The Panasonic name was created in 1955 and was first used as a brand for audio speakers. In more recent history, Matsushita Electric has begun manufacturing more expensive television and audio/video equipment in addition to their entry-level offerings, and as of fall 2005, is using the Panasonic brand name worldwide.

They manufacture LCD, plasma and CRT television sets, DVD players, VCRs, portable CD and analog tape decks and home stereo equipment, all of which is marketed under the slogan Ideas for Life. Through the Panasonic nameplate, Matsushita was one of the first companies to manufacture Laserdisc players in the early 1980s and was among the group of companies that first conceived the DVD format. They are the primary sponsor of Toyota's Formula 1 program (Toyota F1), also known as Panasonic-Toyota Racing.

Brands

National According to Konosuke Matsushita, the name was chosen based on the idea of "for the citizens" from the French revolutionary song Internationale. Currently, National is used as brand name for Matsushita household electronics and stereo systems.

Panasonic Pan means all, sonic means sound, so Panasonic is equivalent to all sound, and is the brand name used for Matsushita's video and audio products. National had an implication of nationalism, so the brand name was not used overseas. Instead, Panasonic is used for all Matsushita products sold overseas. The slogan, Panasonic ideas for life was adopted and used globally.

National bicycles were imported into the United States under the Panasonic label. The brand was known for producing high quality cycles at a relatively low price, as the result of a very high degree of factory automation and a low labor force with attendant savings in salaries and benefits. One of their models featured the unusual Shimano front freewheel system.

Technics Technics is the brand name used for audio speakers and products developed by Matsushita Electric's audio division Technics team. All other products utilize the Panasonic brand name. Presently Technics has begun to make turntables and products for DJ systems.

History

- 1918, Konosuke Matsushita founded the precursor to Matsushita Electric Factory at Fukushima-ku, Osaka City, and sold forked sockets.

- 1927, begin using the "National" Brand and sold angular lamp used for bicycles, and started producing radios in 1931.

- 1933, adopted system of enterprise divisions, and in 1935, Matsushita Electric Industry was restructured to Matsushita Denki and other branches.

- After WWII, under the instruction of General Headquarters/ Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, Panasonic and its branches were merged, and begin producing washing machines. In 1952, with technical tie up from the Netherlands' Philips Electronics, Matsushita Electric Industrial Company was formed.

- 1954, started to provide capital for Victor Company of Japan, which had remained in ruins after the war. At the time, Victor was not merged, but developed while competing against Panasonic. Although the president has been changed to different person, the idea of not merging with other companies remains.

- In 1993, Panasonic attempted to profit in the video game market with the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. However, stiff competition from Sony's PlayStation forced the system to be discontinued by the end of 1995.

- In June 2000, Kunio Nakamura became President. Morishita became chairman, Masaharu Matsushita became the honorary President, Masayuki Matsushita became vice chairman. We await to see the future successor to President. If founder Konosuke Matsushita's grandson Masayuki becomes vice president, then the expectation of a hereditary presidential system will disappear away like fog.

Right now Panasonic is known as Sony's rival in areas of flat panel TV, digital camera, DVD recorder, where Panasonic is focusing on production, marketing and sales. In Asahi Broadcasting, TV Asahi series, the popular programming, Panel Quiz Attack 25, the Panel used in the stage setup was developed by Matsushita Electric. In the beginning of broadcasting, the technical staff of Matsushita Electric was stationed at the recording studio, in case of any unexpected occurrences.