Panasonic Philippines remains upbeat on sales prospects

MANILA, Philippines - Panasonic Philippines remains optimistic that its sales will grow this year despite the global recession.

In a press conference yesterday to introduce their eco-friendly products, Hiroyuki Iwaki, director of Panasonic Philippines’ marketing department, said the company is hoping to generate strong sales with its eco-friendly products.

Panasonic Philippines produces airconditioners, washing machines, refrigerators and electric fans.

According to Iwaki, Panasonic airconditioners, particularly the split-type units, refrigerators and washing machines are the market leaders in the Philippines.

However, part of Panasonic’s production of airconditioners, Iwaki said, is exported to Hong Kong and some other ASEAN countries.

Panasonic’s production of washing machines, refrigerators and electric fans, Iwaki said, is only for the Philippine market.

Iwaki sai there are no plans for additional investments, but neither are there plans for any downsizing in the face of the current global economic slowdown.

Instead, with Panasonic’s global thrust of producing more eco-friendly products, Iwaki said that Panasonic is hopeful of increasing its sales.

Its Philippine production, Iwaki said, incorporates some of the “eco ideas” in the manufacture of such items as airconditioners which now have lower to zero lead content and its washing machines which consume less power and water.

Panasonic, likewise, has introduced its new AA alkaline battery, the Evolta which incorporates new eco-friendly technology that also has a longer battery life.