Panasonic
History
Panasonic Corporation, formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., is a multinational electronics corporation headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan. The company was founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita as a vendor of duplex lamp sockets. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest Japanese electronics producers alongside Sony, Hitachi, Toshiba, and Canon Inc.
In addition to electronics, Panasonic offers non-electronic products and services such as home renovation services. As of 2012, Panasonic is the world's fourth-largest television manufacturer by market share. Panasonic has a primary listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indices. It has a secondary listing on the Nagoya Stock Exchange.
Products
Panasonic produces a wide range of products, including televisions, cameras, audio equipment, telephones, kitchen appliances, personal care products, air conditioners, and industrial automation equipment. The company also manufactures in-flight entertainment systems, which are used by many airlines.
In recent years, Panasonic has been focusing on renewable energy solutions, including rechargeable batteries, lighting fixtures, and power generation systems. The company is a significant manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and is a supplier to Tesla Inc.'s automotive business.
Research and Development
Panasonic's research and development efforts are focused on creating products that improve the quality of life for its customers. The company invests heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
The company's research and development activities cover a wide range of fields, from electronics to energy and environmental technology. Panasonic's R&D philosophy is based on the concept of "people-oriented development," which aims to create products that make life easier and more enjoyable for people.
Environmental Initiatives
Panasonic is committed to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainability. The company has set ambitious environmental targets and is working towards achieving them through various initiatives. These include reducing CO2 emissions, promoting recycling, and developing environmentally friendly products.
Panasonic's "Green Plan 2021" outlines the company's environmental goals for the year 2021. The plan includes targets for reducing CO2 emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting recycling.