Japanese giants are now focusing on Africa and Middle East as the future markets for their products. They are moving in a methodical way, studying life-style of the people, so that they could offer goods which are commonly in demand to meet different tastes and requirements. This strategy has worked well and slowly but surely Japanese companies have made inroads in these markets successfully.
A glimpse of what Japanese companies have in mind was visible at the annual media convention organised by Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa (PMMAF), formerly Panasonic Marketing Middle East (PMM), here last week to announce the launch of a complete new range of eco-friendly products for the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
The new products from the Japanese manufacturer include VIERA televisions, Lumix cameras, audio visual equipment, air conditioners, air purifiers, washing machines and refrigerators with the new Econavi and Nanoe-g technology. New models for office automation and industrial solutions were also introduced.
Panasonic Corporation is a world-wide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen ($105.0 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2011. The company's share are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges.
"As the company expands its market reach to include the African continent and Indian Ocean countries, Panasonic is proud to introduce to the region a complete new range of innovative and eco-friendly products. We are confident that these additions to our portfolio will once again meet the needs of all our customers and consolidate our industry leading position," said Seiji Koyanagi, Managing Director of Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa FZE while addressing the convention.
A new range of world's first Tropical Inverter Air-conditioners were introduced. The inverter 55 series could cool 1.5 times faster and save 30% more energy compared to the conventional model of air conditioners. Keeping with the eco theme, the new ECONAVI washing machines now reduce wash time and power consumption by 45% as well as consuming 40% less water.
Panasonic also introduced stylish and powerful new vacuum cleaners and 360-degree irons and kitchen appliances. New additions in the beauty and health category included the "Milano" series of shavers and mobile beauty products. Key among its flagship products is the new range of VIERA televisions, which incorporate cutting edge design, enhanced picture quality and a series of energy efficiency features. All future VIERA televisions will serve as 'smart' interactive communication devices, providing users with an infinitely configurable and immersive new TV-viewing experience, as well as easy access to the internet. Furthermore, Panasonic also has plans to launch larger 44 and 55 inch LED TVs.
In October 2010, Panasonic had announced its Eco ideas declaration for the region in line with the company's global theme of environmental sustainability and a determination to become No 1 green innovation company in the electronics industry by 2018. Koyanagi said: "As a global leader in the electronics industry, it is out duty to ensure a sustainable future. Panasonic will continue to pursue Eco ideas for lifestyles by promoting sustainable and comfortable green living, as well as Eco ideas for Business-styles. We have had excellent success with our Eco initiatives, and we will continue to add to our successes as we move towards becoming the leading green innovation company in our industry by 2018."
Panasonic's eco business efforts are recognised on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes and the FTSE4Good index by The Financial Times and the London Stock Exchange. Effective January 1, 2012 PMM has been re-named as PMMAF. At the regional headquarters, all functions related to sales and marketing, supply chain and customer service solutions, and advertising functions under the brand name Panasonic are handled by PMMAF.
PMMAF aims to become No 1 Green Innovation Company in electronics industry in Middle East and Africa, as part of Panasonic's group-wide global commitment to drive eco-innovation by 2018, the 100 anniversary of its foundation. The vision of PMMAF is to be the No 1 customer-centric company and No 1 customer-preferred brand in the Middle East and Africa region.
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