ir day pas
TRANSCRIPT
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
May 23, 2012Panasonic Corporation
Automotive Systems Company
President Masahisa Shibata
Automotive Systems CompanyBusiness Strategy
Panasonic IR Day 2012
Notes: 1. This is an English translation from the original presentation in Japanese.
2. In this presentation, “fiscal 2012” or “FY 2012” refers to the yearended March 31, 2012. In addition, “fiscal 2013” or “FY 2013”refers to the year ending March 31, 2013.
ContentsContents 1
1. Overview of Business Domain
2. Business Policy and Growth Strategy
1. Overview of Business Domain
2. Business Policy and Growth Strategy
2
Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
ContentsContents 2
1. Overview of Business Domain
2. Business Policy and Growth Strategy
1. Overview of Business Domain
2. Business Policy and Growth Strategy
Name Automotive Systems Company (PAS)
President Masahisa Shibata
Business
Development, manufacture, sale and service of such automotive multimedia systems as navigation systems, electrical components, and eco car related products including engine control units
Headquarter Location
4261 Ikonobe-cho, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama-city, Kanagawa, Japan
Major Locations
[Japan] Development: Yokohama, Kadoma
Manufacturing: Matsumoto
Sales: Yokohama, Toyota, Atsugi, Tokyo, Hiroshima, etc.
[Overseas] U.S. Mexico, Germany, the Czech Republic,
China (Dalian, Tianjin, Shanghai),
Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, India
Overview of Business DomainOverview of Business Domain 3
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Sales(yen: billions)
Operating profit(yen; billions)
[FY 12]• Overall sale increased by 7%. However, sales inPAS products were lower than the previous year
[FY 13]• Overall sales is expected to show double-digit growthdue mainly to sales improvement in PAS products
[FY 12]• Operating profit decreased due to negative impacts suchas the earthquake, flooding in Thailand and exchange rates
[FY 13]• A significant improvement is expected with sales recoveryin PAS products
FY 2012 Results and FY 2013 Business PlanFY 2012 Results and FY 2013 Business Plan
FY2012
PAS ProductsDeveloped and manufactured
in its own domain
Products manufactured by Group companies
Developed and manufactured
in other business domains
653.2+7% (VS FY11)
FY2013(E)
720.0+10% (VS FY12)
FY2012
4.9-78% (VS FY11)
FY2013(E)
18.0+264% (VS FY12)
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PAS Europe
PAS Asia Pacific
A. HeitmannPresident
T. GebhardtPresident
Masahiro DoiPresident
Minoru KobayashiPresident
PAS AmericaPAS China
Automotive Systems Company
Masahisa ShibataPresident
PAS Global FrameworkPAS Global Framework 5
Five regional headquarters across the globe
Five regional headquarters across the globe
PASAmericaPAS
America
PASChinaPASChina
PASEuropePASEurope
PASAsia
Pacific
PASAsia
Pacific
PAS(Japan)PAS
(Japan)
Broaden development, manufacturing, and sales operations in five regional headquarters across the globe
Broaden development, manufacturing, and sales operations in five regional headquarters across the globe
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
PAS Asia Pacific
PAS China
PAS PAS America
Panasonic Taiwan
Panasonic Brazil
PAS Europe
6Automobile Manufacturing Sites and PAS Global SitesAutomobile Manufacturing Sites and PAS Global Sites
Covers automobile manufacturing sites in cooperation with PAS global sitesCovers automobile manufacturing sites in cooperation with PAS global sites
PASIndia
PAS Czech
PAS Mexico
Major ClientsMajor Clients 7
PAS Europe
PAS AmericaPAS China
PAS Asia Pacific
Automotive SystemsCompany
• Volkswagen• Daimler• Audi
• GM• Ford• Chrysler
•Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation• Beijing AutomobileWorks Co.
• Maruti Suzuki India
• Tata
• Toyota• Honda• Nissan
• Mazda• Fuji Heavy
Industries• SUZUKI
Each regional headquarter is responsible for meeting demands from automobile manufacturers
Each regional headquarter is responsible for meeting demands from automobile manufacturers
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Sales by RegionSales by Region 8
PAS Europe
PAS AmericaPAS China
PAS AsiaPacific
Automotive SystemsCompany
* FY 2012 results, based on supplied products.
Sales proportion (destination/route)
9%
653.2bil. yen
60% 40%
Aftermarket
OEM 91%
Overseas Japan
Asia, etc. 5%
North America17%
Europe 9%
China 5% (of which vehiclefor export 23%)
Japan 63%
Sales by region Japan: 63%, Sales by destination Overseas: 60%Sales by region Japan: 63%, Sales by destination Overseas: 60%
Flagship Products and Sales by ProductFlagship Products and Sales by Product
Automotive Multimedia Products
Eco Car Products
Navigation systems Portable
NavigationDevice (PND)
Audio with display
Car audio
Rear-seatentertainment
system
Speakers
Onboard ChargerInverter-integrated
compressor
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Deck mechanism
Electrical componentsand others
DSRC/ETC onboard
unit
Cut-off DC powercurrent EV Relays
Earth leakage circuit breaker
Back-up power supplyfor electric brake
Sales by product
653.2bil. yen
Automotive Multimediaproducts
51%
Electrical components and others
25%
Eco car products
24%
Angular velocity sensor
Steering switch
* Based on FY 2012 results.
Engine control unit
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
ContentsContents 10
1. Overview of Business Domain
2. Business Policy and Growth Strategy
1. Overview of Business Domain
2. Business Policy and Growth Strategy
Driving support system(Electrical components
and others)
Eco car relatedproducts
Displayproducts
Automotive multimediaproducts
[yen: trillions]
*Estimated by PAS
Effective Demand (only in the PAS business domain)Effective Demand (only in the PAS business domain)
0.4
2.4
1.1
0.5
3.9
FY2011
0.6
2.5
1.3
0.6
4.4
FY2012
0.7
2.5
1.4
0.8
4.7
FY2013
0.9
2.5
1.5
1.0
5.0
FY2014
1
2.5
1.6
1.4
5.5
FY2015 FY2016
1.2
2.5
1.6
1.8
5.9
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Effective demandAverage annual
growth rateVehicle production
Average annual growth rate(2010-2015)
+9%
+8%
+29%
+25%
+1%
+5%
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12
New business(EV-related business)
Contribute to the creation of a new car society through electronicsContribute to the creation of a new car society through electronics
Two core businesses lead the automotive electronics business among all Panasonic domain companies
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Continuous investmentfor growth
Continuous investmentfor growth
33Drive the Panasonic Group’s
automotive electronics business
Drive the Panasonic Group’sautomotive electronics
business
Constant reform of business structure
Constant reform of business structure
Business PolicyBusiness Policy
Global multimediabusiness
SNCCompany
EnergyCompany Device
CompanyAVC
CompanyPAS
Cockpitbusiness
Electricalcomponentbusiness
APCompany
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
カーAV需要構造カーAV需要構造Change and evolution in the automotive multimedia marketChange and evolution in the automotive multimedia market
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business 14
Cockpit systemCar navigation
Saves map data on HDD, etc.High-quality/high-definition/vehicle information display
PND(Portable Navigation Device)
Simplified functionsCompact, lightweight, portable
Car Audio
Music media reproduction such as radio and CD
Evolution
Functional Integration
FunctionalOptimization Low-priced audio
for emerging markets
Easy-to-use HMI implemented system built around display
Display audio
Camera
Smartphone
Portableaudio
Fuel consumptioninformation
Car navigation
Navigation
Large-screen information display and HMI
Connectivity Smartphone connectivityUse of apps
Initiatives in the automotive multimediaInitiatives in the automotive multimedia
15Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
50 mil. units
Display audio4 mil. unitsNavigation
Industry’s first
FY2010 FY2016 FY2019FY2013
Forecast for overall demand for display audioForecast for overall demand for display audio
* All regional companies
Connectivitydisplay audio
SNSSNS
GameGame
NewsNews
WeatherInformationWeather
Information
・・・
・・・
NavigationNavigation
Audio Pursuit of car interior sound quality
Display
Displayaudio
in-house development
Software collaborationin-house development
Support by customer and region
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Initiatives in the automotive multimediaInitiatives in the automotive multimedia
Navigation
Large-screen information display and HMI
Connectivity Smartphone connectivityUse of apps
50 mil. units
Display audio4 mil. units
Navigation
Industry’s first
FY2010 FY2016 FY2019FY2013
Anticipation of aggregate demand for display audioAnticipation of aggregate demand for display audio
* All of the regional companies
ConnectivityDisplay Audio
SNSSNS
GameGame
NewsNews
WeatherInformationWeather
Information
・・・
・・・
NavigationNavigation
Audio Pursuit of car interior sound quality
Display
DisplayAudio
In-house development
Software collaborationIn-house development
Support by customer and region
AudioAudio Pursuit of car interior sound qualityPursuit of car interior sound quality
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Bringing the sound studio environmentinto your vehicle
Acura ZDX IP
NAMM, Fender Booth
Winner of the 2011 Car Radio of the Year*Factory Car Radio of the Year
Fitted in the US Honda (Acura) TL, TSX, ZDX, MDX, RDX
Fitted in the US Volkswagen Jetta, Beetle, and Passat
Tweeter
Door Speaker
Door Speaker
Subwoofer
Pursue in-vehicle sound quality: Collaboration with ELS and FenderPursue in-vehicle sound quality: Collaboration with ELS and Fender
Collaboration with US company Fender, the world’s leading instrument maker and
developer of legendary guitars
Collaboration with Grammy Award winning music producer Elliot Scheiner
Elliot Scheiner
Pictures provided by: American Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Pictures provided by: Volkswagen of America
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business 16
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Initiatives in the automotive multimediaInitiatives in the automotive multimedia
Navigation
Large-screen information display and HMI
Connectivity Smartphone connectivityUse of apps
50 mil. units
Display audio4 mil. units
Navigation
Industry’s first
FY2010 FY2016 FY2019FY2013
Anticipation of aggregate demand for display audioAnticipation of aggregate demand for display audio
* All of the regional companies
ConnectivityDisplay Audio
SNSSNS
GameGame
NewsNews
WeatherInformationWeather
Information
・・・
・・・
NavigationNavigation
Audio Pursuit of car interior sound quality
Display
DisplayAudio
In-house development
Software collaborationIn-house development
Support by customer and region
Large-screen information display and HMI
Large-screen information display and HMIDisplayDisplay Cockpit systemCockpit system
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Camerasystem
Phone
InternetEco-friendlydriving information
Navigation
Trafficinformation
Smartphoneconnectivity
Driving support
Entertainment
Audio
Large-screen information display and HMI (human-machine interface) cockpitLarge-screen information display and HMI (human-machine interface) cockpit
”Achieving both safe driving and car multimedia operations” that are optimized for people and communities
Systemizing cockpit with large displays for optimal and intuitive useSystemizing cockpit with large displays for optimal and intuitive use
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Driving information Emergency informationLarge and detailed screen
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Camerasystem
Phone
InternetEco-conscious driving information
ナビゲーション
交通情報 Smartphoneconnectivity走行支援
Entertainment
Audio
Large-screen information display and HMI (human-machine interface) cockpitLarge-screen information display and HMI (human-machine interface) cockpit
Systemizing cockpit with large displays for optimal and intuitive useSystemizing cockpit with large displays for optimal and intuitive use
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Direction indicator Proximity warning system Emergency information
Driving support
Navigation
Trafficinformation
”Achieving both safe driving and car multimedia operations” that are optimized for people and communities
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Camerasystem
Phone
Internetエコ運転情報
Navigation
Traffic information
Smartphoneconnectivity走行支援
Entertainment
Audio
Large-screen information display and HMI (Human-machine interface) cockpitLarge-screen information display and HMI (Human-machine interface) cockpit
Systemizing cockpit with large displays for optimal and intuitive useSystemizing cockpit with large displays for optimal and intuitive use
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Eco-friendly driving informationMeter information
Driving support
Eco-consciousdriving information
”Achieving both safe driving and car multimedia operations” that are optimized for people and communities
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
カメラシステム
電 話
インターネットエコ運転情報
ナビゲーション
交通情報 スマートフォン連携
Drivingsupport
エンターテイメント
オーディオ
Large-screen information display and HMI (Human-machine interface) cockpitLarge-screen information display and HMI (Human-machine interface) cockpit
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Displays images on large screensat front and rear passenger seats
Displays images on large screensat front and rear passenger seats
Navigation
Smartphone connectivity
Rear/side camera
Navigation
Camerasystem
Audio Smartphoneconnectivity Internet
Phone
Traffic information
Entertainment
Eco-consciousdriving information
Entertainment
Audio
”Achieving both safe driving and car multimedia operations” that are optimized for people and communities
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2006
Wireless controllerequipped with headphones
Awarded JD Power’s “Best in Class”
Year 2003
Large-screen information display: Rear entertainment systemLarge-screen information display: Rear entertainment system
2012 -2010
8-inch screen
7-inch screen
16-inch wide screen
9-inch screen
Many automobile manufactures adopt Panasonic systemMany automobile manufactures adopt Panasonic system
Image provided by American Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Image provided by General Motors Image provided by General Motors
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Market shareover 70%
(FY2012 result)
Number of car models equipped with our products
5 models 20 models 21 models 24 models
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Initiatives in the automotive multimediaInitiatives in the automotive multimedia
50 mil. units
Display Audio4 mil. units
Navigation
Industry’s first
FY2010 FY2016 FY2019FY2013
Forecast for overall demand for display audioForecast for overall demand for display audio
* All regional companies
Connectivitydisplay audio
SNSSNS
GameGame
NewsNews
Weather InformationWeather Information
・・・
・・・
NavigationNavigation
Navigation
Large-screen information display and HMI
Connectivity Smartphone connectivityUse of apps
Audio Pursuit of car interior sound quality
Display
DisplayAudio
In-house development
Software collaborationIn-house development
Support by customer and region
ConnectivityConnectivity Smartphone connectivityUse of apps
Smartphone connectivityUse of apps
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Smartphone connectivity, app use: MirrorLink / iPhone app connectivitySmartphone connectivity, app use: MirrorLink / iPhone app connectivity
Forward planning and proposal of prototypeswith smartphone and app makers
+ new OS, new specifications, new functions
・ Android・ iPhone
・CCC-approved apps
・iPhone app partners
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Display Audio4 million units
FY2010 FY2016 FY2019FY2011
ConnectivityDisplay Audio
SNSSNS
GameGame
NewsNews
・・・
・・・
NavigationNavigation
Also compatible with iPhone apps
World’s firstenabled display audio
Pictures provided by: Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA
Installed in Toyota iQ for the European market
Navigation
Weather InformationWeather Information
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
Initiatives in the automotive multimediaInitiatives in the automotive multimedia
Navigation
Large-screen information display and HMI
Connectivity Smartphone connectivityUse of apps
50 mil. units
Display audio4 mil. units
Navigation
Industry’s first
FY2010 FY2016 FY2019FY2013
Anticipation of aggregate demand for display audioAnticipation of aggregate demand for display audio
* All of the regional companies
ConnectivityDisplay Audio
SNSSNS
GameGame
NewsNews
WeatherInformationWeather
Information
・・・
・・・
NavigationNavigation
Audio Pursuit of car interior sound quality
Display
DisplayAudio
In-house development
Software collaborationIn-house development
Support by customer and regionNavigationNavigation Support by customer and regionSupport by customer and regionSoftware collaborationin-house development
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Global OEM car navigation systems: Software collaborationCar navigation systems for aftermarket: In-house development
Global OEM car navigation systems: Software collaborationCar navigation systems for aftermarket: In-house development
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
OEMnavigationsystems
Software collaboration
Collaboration strategy to match car maker and region
Car navigationsystems
for aftermarket
< Strengthen bicycle navigation functions><Focus on seniors and female customers>
Development of new markets (Active navigation systems)
Design to match car type
Custom design from external configuration through to location of operating keys
Approx.
15%market share
Strengthen PND lineup using assets developed by Sanyo
Approx.
60%market share
Full lineup: 5 – 7 inch, 1-seg/full-seg enabled
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
410.0
300.0
360.0
270.0
Display audio : Sales targetDisplay audio : Sales target
*14 clients
FY2011 TY2012 FY2013 FY2016
Displayaudio
[yen: billions]
Alreadyfixed
business
Estimatedorders
ExistingCar navigation
systemsCar audio, etc.
Display audiomarket share
Automotive multimediaSales
Received repeated orders of display audioMarket share No.1
Global Multimedia BusinessGlobal Multimedia Business
27%42%
45%
50%
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New BusinessNew Business
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Business opportunities expand, benefiting from vehicle electrification Business opportunities expand, benefiting from vehicle electrification
Gasoline car
ECU
Engine
Belt compressor
ETC
Gas station
Keyless entry
Car navigation/Car AV
Meter
Steering
Gasoline
Camera
ECU
Motor
ETC
Keylessentry
Cockpit
Inverter-integrated electric compressor
Wirelesschargingsystem
~ ~
Plug-in station
Cable
EVSEEarth leakage circuit breaker
Chargersystem Battery
Wireless charging system
EV (Electric Vehicle)
New Business (EV-related Business)New Business (EV-related Business)
Camera
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Creating energy
Storing energy
Saving energy
ホームの「省・蓄・創エネ」環境技術ホームの「省・蓄・創エネ」環境技術Home environmental technology “saving energy, storing energy and creating energy”Home environmental technology “saving energy, storing energy and creating energy”
Fuel cell
Solar cell
Air conditioner
EcoCute
Storing battery
LED light
TV IH Cooking Heater
Rechargeablebattery ‘EVOLTA’
Lithium-ion batterymodule
New Business (EV-related Business)New Business (EV-related Business) 27
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Charger
ElectrificationFuel efficiency
EVHEV
ThermalMgmt.systemPower Mgmt.
System
Combination heating
Heat pump
Batterysystem
Car battery pack
Wireless charging system
Car ElectronicsCar Electronics
ホームの「省・蓄・創エネ」環境技術ホームの「省・蓄・創エネ」環境技術Apply home environmental technology “saving energy, storing energy and creating energy”to vehicle environmental technology
Apply home environmental technology “saving energy, storing energy and creating energy”to vehicle environmental technology
Creatingenergy
Storingenergy
Home ElectronicsHome Electronics
EcoCute
Saving energy
Rechargeablebattery
Fuel cell
Solar cellIH Cooking heater
New Business (EV-related Business)New Business (EV-related Business)
Air conditioner
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High current / AC technology
Core electrical component technologies
Electrical componentreliability
Broad temperatureassurance
Water resistant design
Vibration resistance
Apply technologies for evaluation and testing cultivated in the electrical component business to new businesses
Apply technologies for evaluation and testing cultivated in the electrical component business to new businesses
PowerMgmt.
systems
Batterysystems
ThermalMgmt.
systems
ElectrificationFuel efficiency
EVHEV
Application and extension to
EV-related business
Engine control technology
Safe design methods
Real time control
Dead time control
Long-term assurance (11 – 15 years)
Safety:Detection of power leakage, overcurrent, overheating, and voltage abnormalities
Reliability/durability:Establish component evaluation technology/reliability of overcurrent joint connection
3-phase 200V, 50A/100A, ~15kW
Engine ECU
Electrically drivencompressor
Knock sensor
New Business (EV-related Business)New Business (EV-related Business) 29
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EVHybrid Plug-inhybrid
Long life lead-acid
Eco car type
Idle-stop systems
Electricdouble-layer
capacitor
Voltage dropDC–DC converter
(Non-contactpower supply)
(Inverter)
Lithium-ion
Electrically driven compressor
High voltagejunction box
Chargers
Proposal of devices and systems for full spectrum of eco carsProposal of devices and systems for full spectrum of eco cars
ThermalMgmt.
systems
PowerMgmt.
systems
Batterysystems
Orders received
Ordersreceived
Currentbusiness
Current business
New Business (EV-related Business)New Business (EV-related Business)
(Heat pump system)
Currentbusiness
Currentbusiness
Nickel-metal hydride
Currentbusiness
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Developing home electronics technologies for in-car use: Non-contact charger [Example of technology development]
Developing home electronics technologies for in-car use: Non-contact charger [Example of technology development]
Ground(Power transmission)
IH cooking heater
Vehicle (Charging)
Electromagneticinduction
New Business (EV-related Business)New Business (EV-related Business) 31
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Toward 1 Trillion Yen Business in FY2019Toward 1 Trillion Yen Business in FY2019
Globalmultimedia
Electrical components, EV-related
(including others)
[yen: billion]
Over 1 trillion yen
FY2012 FY2013(plan)
FY2016 FY2019
653.2720.0
900.0
Contributing to the creation of a new societythrough electronics
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Copyright (C) 2012 Panasonic Corporation All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis presentation includes forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934) about Panasonic and its Group companies (the Panasonic Group). To the extent that statements in this presentation do not relate to historical or current facts, they constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current assumptions and beliefs of the Panasonic Group in light of the information currently available to it, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the Panasonic Group's actual results, performance, achievements or financial position to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or financial position expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Panasonic undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements after the date of this presentation. Investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by Panasonic in its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and its other filings.
The risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to above include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, particularly consumer spending and corporate capital expenditures in the United States, Europe, Japan, China, and other Asian countries; volatility in demand for electronic equipment and components from business and industrial customers, as well as consumers in many product and geographical markets; currency rate fluctuations, notably between the yen, the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese yuan, Asian currencies and other currencies in which the Panasonic Group operates businesses, or in which assets and liabilities of the Panasonic Group are denominated; the possibility of the Panasonic Group incurring additional costs of raising funds, because of changes in the fund raising environment; the ability of the Panasonic Group to respond to rapid technological changes and changing consumer preferences with timely and cost-effective introductions of new products in markets that are highly competitive in terms of both price and technology; the possibility of not achieving expected results on the alliances or mergers and acquisitions including the business reorganization after the acquisition of all shares of Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. and SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.; the ability of the Panasonic Group to achieve its business objectives through joint ventures and other collaborative agreements with other companies; the ability of the Panasonic Group to maintain competitive strength in many product and geographical areas; thepossibility of incurring expenses resulting from any defects in products or services of the Panasonic Group; the possibility that the Panasonic Group may face intellectual property infringement claims by third parties; current and potential, direct and indirect restrictions imposed by other countries over trade, manufacturing, labor and operations; fluctuations in market prices of securities and other assets in which the Panasonic Group has holdings or changes in valuation of long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and goodwill, deferred tax assets and uncertain tax positions; future changes or revisions to accounting policies or accounting rules; natural disasters including earthquakes, prevalence of infectious diseases throughout the world and other events that may negatively impact business activities of the Panasonic Group;as well as direct or indirect adverse effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake on the Panasonic Group in terms of, among others, component procurement, manufacturing, distribution, economic conditions in Japan including consumer spending and sales activities overseas, and direct or indirect adverse effects of the flooding in Thailand on the Panasonic Group in terms of, among others, component procurement and manufacturing. The factors listed above are not all-inclusive and further information is contained in Panasonic‘s latest annual reports, Form 20-F, and any other reports and documents which are on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
In order to be consistent with generally accepted financial reporting practices in Japan, operating profit (loss) is presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Japan. The company believes that this is useful to investors in comparing the company's financial results with those of other Japanese companies. Under United States generally accepted accounting principles, expenses associated with the implementation of early retirement programs at certain domestic and overseascompanies, and impairment losses on long-lived assets are usually included as part of operating profit (loss) in the statement of income.