Panasonic sees doubling sales of split-type aircons

Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corp. (PMPC) is projecting a 120-percent growth in its sales of split-type air conditioners this year although overall appliance sales this year is expected to grow by a minimal five percent.

This was the projection of Panasonic Philippines president Rene T. Almeda and Hiroyuki Iwaki, director of appliance sales group, during the launch yesterday of Panasonic 2006 air conditioner models.

According to Almeda and Iwaki, appliance sales last year was sluggish due to the likewise weak economy. This year, they see only a slight improvement.

However, there are still bright spots particularly in air conditioner sales.

Almeda and Iwaki are projecting a 120-percent increase in sales of split-type air conditioners but a flat growth for window-type air conditioners.

Panasonic is preparing to cash in on the increased demand for split-type air conditioners this summer with the launch yesterday of its 2006 models which have the pioneering technology of clean air and auto filter cleaning.

While the split-type air conditioners cost about 40 percent more than the window type units, Iwaki noted a growing preference for the small blower and separate compressor units.

In fact, Iwaki said, it is only in the Philippines and Hong Kong where window-type units continue to sell well while in all other countries the preference is for split-type units.

The split-type air conditioners of Panasonic are imported from Malaysia.

PMPC manufactures only the window-type air conditioners here as well as refrigerators, washing machines, batteries, oven toasters and electric fans.

Panasonic, Iwaki said, is the local market leader in refrigerator sales with a 30-percent market share.

On the other hand, Iwaki disclosed sales of its washing machines last year posted a 20-percent drop due to the weak economy.

Almeda explained that because of higher unemployment, less people are resorting to washing machines and are instead securing the services of "lavanderas" or laundry women.