Panasonic, one of the leading electronics companies in the world and the largest in Japan, is aiming to become a household name in South Africa once again, with a Panasonic product in every home.

While Panasonic has kept a low profile in recent years, this is set to change with major plans to introduce a wide range of high quality products across several categories. These will include but not be limited to: TVs, home theatre systems, home audio systems, portable audio systems, cameras, home appliances such as washing machines, fridges and beauty care products; and a full range of business-to-business equipment and air conditioners.
Speaking at a media briefing at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg on Monday 20 April, Mr Daizo Ito - who is the regional head of Panasonic for India, South Asia, Middle East and Africa - stated that the corporation viewed quality products and service as measures of excellence - hence the tagline 'You deserve better'.

"Attention to detail and refined Japanese craftsmanship are inherent in all Panasonic products, from easy-to-use consumer products such as our range of audio-visual systems, cameras, home appliances, to reliable and precise business solutions including air conditioning units."
Other attributes setting Panasonic apart, he said, are its anticipation of consumer needs, dedication to enhancing quality of life, adoption of the latest environmentally friendly technologies and cutting-edge designs.

Supported by over 10 Panasonic executives who had flown to South Africa to meet with key distributors and retailers, he said Panasonic believes in cultivating long-term relationships and partnerships based on trust and respect. "These all create products and services of value."
The widely expanded range of products will be introduced in phases during the year and beyond 2015.

Panasonic is buoyant about its re-investment in South Africa at this time. This move is in line with a general increase in interest in the African continent. Manufacturers that previously concentrated on markets in India and the Far East are now turning their attention to Africa as the new frontier market. While a sizeable proportion of technology-based goods have been imported from America and Europe, companies from China, South Korea and Japan are now making impressive inroads. Panasonic, a Japanese company, is distinguished by the fact that it holds to Japanese manufacturing standards of quality and craftsmanship.

In South Africa alone, the consumer electronics market was gauged to be around $9.4bn in 2012, and increasing to $13.6bn by 2016. (Source: African Business, The Rise and Rise of Africa's Consumer Market.)

Customers often opt for international brands if their spending power allows them to do so. Leading electronics and appliance retailers often prefer to stock preferred brands such as Panasonic in order to remain competitive, as well as to uphold their reputation as retailers of high-quality brands.

Most of the retailers participating in this category sign quality agreements with their suppliers. One of Panasonic's key driving pillars in South Africa is to deliver an exceptional service to its dealers and customers in line with their philosophy of 'you deserve better'.

Panasonic has a strong and historic longstanding network of retailers throughout South Africa, including all major chain stores. The company has already received multiple listings for the eagerly anticipated new range of products that will set the standard for local consumers.

The company was founded in 1918 and has followed a management philosophy of 'A Better Life, A Better World'. It is committed to making a contribution to improving the lives of people around the world, and to the progress of society. To that end, its focus is on combining the strengths that it has developed in the consumer electronics business, with the strengths and in-depth experience of its business partners, to create "cross-value innovation".

With its headquarters in Osaka, Japan, it has over 271 000 employees and net sales of 7,736.5 bn yen (31 March 2014) equivalent to over R782.57 bn. Find out more on www.panasonic.com.