PANASONIC LEADS THE WAY…WITH 'ECO IDEAS' AT MID VALLEY EXHIBITION CENTRE;
Showcasing Panasonic's Environmental Initiatives and Environmental Friendly Products to Help Save Energy, Money and the Environment

Kuala Lumpur, 9 October, 2008 - Panasonic, the leading brand by which Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd is known, will be leading the way to exhibit an environmental showcase, Eco Ideas, Home & Audio Visual Solutions, the first of its kind held in Malaysia and is the first country to host in Asia region from October 10 to 12 at Mid Valley Exhibition Centre. The objective of this exhibition is to engage the public on how to save energy, money and the environment for a greener living and to spread the word about Panasonic’s environmental initiatives through the company’s three Eco Ideas declarations namely; Eco Ideas for Products, Eco Ideas for Manufacturing and Eco Ideas for Everybody, Everywhere.

This exhibition is part of the Eco relay activity, a group-wide ecology campaign where various environmental activities will be conducted by 342 Panasonic companies in 39 countries globally. This exhibition will travel to other countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Philippines.

“As a company that bases its management philosophy on contribution to society, and corporate vision of coexistence with the global environment Panasonic is globally promoting its environmental sustainability management through Green Plan 2010 which is based on an “eco ideas” strategy and action plan which was announced by Panasonic Corporation President, Mr Fumio Ohtsubo in October last year in view of the accelerating anti-global warming initiatives by international communities and societies,” explained Tony Endoh, Managing Director of Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

“In pursuing global excellence, we are not only committed to attain steady growth with profitability but we are also committed to reduce the environmental impact of all our business activities with special efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from our production activities by 300,000 tons globally over three years from fiscal year 2008 to 2010.”

“With this commitment, Panasonic Malaysia is leading the way through “eco ideas” to share with and inform Malaysian consumers at the Panasonic eco exhibition. We know that if consumers will take time to visit our exhibition they will take away some valuable new “eco ideas” from there”, added Tony Endoh.

“We also believe in promoting “eco ideas” internally to our staff first before promoting it externally to the public. Therefore we have adopted a series of activities from no overtime day by leaving the office at 5pm sharp on every 2nd and 3rd Friday of the month to save energy by switching off aircond and lights, no drive out for lunch day to save petrol and reduce carbon footprints on every 15th of the month to recycle and office cleaning day on every last working day of the month to promote and maintain a clean and healthy work environment and work culture.”

“Panasonic’s wide ranging products from home appliances, audio visuals, digital imaging, professional broadcasting, business systems to beauty care, battery and lightings are ever evolving based on reliability and technological excellence. Panasonic, under the theme of “eco ideas”, will offer creative solutions for consumers and demonstrate how its stylish and environmentally-friendly designed products, supported by technological excellence allows consumers to enjoy their daily lives while being mindful of the environment in which they live,” said Tony Endoh. “To achieve the ultimate goal of enhancing our brand and products by emotionally engaging consumers, Panasonic is taking a bold step in leading the way with “eco ideas” approaches in product development and marketing strategy.”

“Panasonic products are enjoying good sales. From April to September 2008, the company saw a double increase in sales of home appliances compared to last year. With the introduction and awareness of eco products through this exhibition, we expect to see another positive growth of at least 10% to 15% from now until financial year ending March 2009 with market share of 40%, maintaining absolute number one position in the market.”

“For audio visual products, Panasonic is confident of achieving a sales growth of 30%. To date, we have already achieved 20% market share in the 37-inch and above of flat panel TV segment since June. With our concerted efforts we are well on the way to achieve our 1.5 billion sales targets for financial year 2008.”

Panasonic’s Eco Ideas exhibition is designed with style and is interactive. Visitors will experience a fascinating journey through an ideal wide-ranging setting of 4 dedicated areas namely; the Eco Ideas Exhibit, Home Solutions Exhibit, Audio Visual Solutions and Business Systems Solutions Exhibits.

Highlights at the Eco Ideas Exhibit will be the 4 energy efficient products introduced to seek and raise consumers’ understanding of Panasonic’s efforts and achievements in these eco energy efficient products and technologies ranging from light bulbs that can save 80% energy; inverter technology air conditioner that can save 50% energy, Aquabeat Plus washing machine that can save 40% energy and the i-Inverter technology refrigerator that can save 20% energy.

Also available in the Eco Ideas Exhibit are activities for the public to explore and learn through eco lectures, highlighting global warming issues; participate in eco quiz and pledges with the goal of engaging the public in efforts to help reduce global warming.

This wide-ranging exhibition will showcase a series of trendsetting products such as washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, home appliances, beauty care, batteries and lighting designed to create perfect emotional comfort and delight at the Home Solutions Exhibit. While in the Audio Visual Solutions Exhibit, plasma TVs, home theatre systems, digital cameras and camcorders are all connected through its industry-leading SD Link networking service, designed to appeal to the sophisticated audiences. Professional broadcasting products and business systems products will captivate both the broadcasting industry players and small to medium size businesses.

At the Eco Ideas exhibition, ten new products will be introduced. Six from home appliances namely; Aquabeat Washing Machine, Inverter Refrigerator [Vegerator], Esen Electric Home Shower, Evolta Battery, Spiral Light Capsule and Portable Power Charger while two new products from audio visual are a Full HD Blu-ray Home Theater System; a FHD 65” Viera Plasma TV and FHD 37” Viera LCD TV and one from business systems namely Security Surveillance solutions.

Panasonic continues to establish itself as an ‘ideas for life’ brand through the “eco ideas” exhibition where visitors will be presented with various eco activities and the opportunity to see demonstrations of products ranging from home appliances to audio visual, business systems, surveillance control, call centre telephone systems, cooking, beauty tips and many more. Another highlight of the exhibition is the ‘Lifestyle House’ which will showcase the latest Panasonic home appliances products.

This three-day event is expected to draw on more than 30,000 visitors. It is open to the public daily from 10am till 10pm and entrance is free. Be among the first 2000 visitors to complete our questionnaire correctly and get a 100% cotton reusable Eco bag and energy-saving light bulb as one of Panasonic’s efforts to promote eco lifestyle and awareness to the public.

About Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a sales, service and marketing company for the Panasonic brand of electrical and electronic products ranging from audio visuals, home appliances, air conditioners, digital and video cameras, professional broadcasting equipment, business systems, telecommunications, health and beauty care to batteries and lightings. All Panasonic products are available through our authorized dealers nationwide. For more information on Panasonic brand and products, visit our website at HYPERLINK http://www.panasonic.com.my www.panasonic.com.my or call our Customer Care Center at 03-5543 7600.

Media Contact:
Azizah Wahid
Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications & Branding
Tel: 03 7809 7876 Mobile: 019 217 2730
Email: azizah.wahid@my.panasonic.com