Panasonic 2008 Annual Report Download - page 28

Household Appliances/
Refrigeration, Air Conditioning
and Heating
In household appliances, Matsushita develops various businesses, ranging
from products related to housework and food preparation to sanitary equip-
ment, electric heating equipment, and various key devices such as power
supply inverters for microwave ovens. The products for housework and
food preparation include washing machines, dishwasher/dryers, vacuum
cleaners, IH cooking equipment, microwave ovens, and rice cookers.
In fiscal 2008, in drum washer/dryers, which are carving out an
increasing share of the washing machine market, Matsushita grew sales
of tilted-drum washer/dryers employing an energy-efficient heat pump
drying system that also saves water, and that includes a “mist refresh”
function that eliminates odors and smoothes out wrinkles. At the same
time, Matsushita dramatically upgraded washing performance with the
world’s first*1 “Dancing laundering & drying system.” The Company’s
drum washer/dryers won a strong market response in China, where
public interest is high in eliminating harmful bacteria, as proprietary
sterilization features matched local needs. Matsushita released this
new product simultaneously in China and Japan.
As for all-electric products such as IH cooking equipment and
natural-refrigerant water heating systems, the Company’s “one
million-person trial campaign” in Japan led to increased sales of
products, helping Matsushita maintain its top domestic market
share. In addition, Matsushita’s sanitary equipment “Beauty Toilet,”
which features warm water cleansing, was highly praised for its energy
efficiency. Leveraging its sensor technology, the Company succeeded in
heating the toilet seat and water only when in use, thereby significantly
reducing electricity consumption.
In refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating,
Matsushita manufactures a wide range of consumer-
and industry-use products. These include air condi-
tioners and refrigerators, vending machines, and
natural-refrigerant water heating systems, as well as
devices such as compressors used in refrigeration and
air conditioning products.
In fiscal 2008, in room air conditioners, Matsushita
released the world’s first*2 air conditioners that auto-
matically adjust air flows depending on people’s feeling
of temperature via an “Irutoko Search” function. This
function reduces wasteful operation, resulting in signifi-
cant energy savings. In addition, the Company
strengthened its lineup of free-standing air conditioners
for the Chinese market by focusing on designs popular
in that market, thereby boosting sales.
This tilted-drum washer/dryer effectively
removes stubborn dirt and grime thanks to its
“Dancing laundering & drying system.” It also
features a “mist refresh” function that elimi-
nates odors and smoothes out wrinkles.
The X Series air conditioner controls tempera-
ture and air flow according to the “feels like”
temperature for each individual in a room.
“nano-e crispers” Keep Vegetables Fresher
Three-day comparison (Company estimate at refrigeration temperature of approx. 5°C and
humidity of approx. 90%)
Vitamin C Retention Ratio
Broccoli sprouts time rate of
change
Without
nano-e
nano-e
crispers
Vitamin A Retention Ratio
Mulukhiya (leafy greens) time
rate of change
Vitamin E Retention Ratio
Mulukhiya (leafy greens) time
rate of change
Without
nano-e
nano-e
crispers
Without
nano-e
nano-e
crispers
–10%
+10%
(%)
–16%
+4%
–15% –8%
Vegetables are kept fresher for longer
because nano-sized ions penetrate all the
way to the cellular level.
Difference
approx.
20 points
Difference
approx.
20 points
Initially
Difference
approx.
7 points
26 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 2008