Panasonic, the Japanese multinational electronics
organization, is in the process of reinventing
itself. Incoming President, Kazuhiro Tsuga, has
called for “a return to the basics,” putting
customers at the heart of the Panasonic business
and ruthlessly eliminating any measures that do
not create value. From solar panels and lithiumion
batteries to a full consumer electronics
line-up equipped with “EcoNavi” energy-saving
features, Panasonic boasts industry-leading
technologies and is well on its way to achieving
a key objective: becoming the number one
greenest company in the electronics industry
by 2018. Demonstrating this commitment,
Panasonic’s Eco Solutions North America has
joined forces with Renewable Social Benefit
Funds (RSB Funds) to finance, build, and
maintain solar photovoltaic projects in the
public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Such
performance around sustainability earned
Panasonic the #6 position in Interbrand’s 2012
Best Global Green Brands report. By integrating
and managing energy generation, storage, and
use, Panasonic is aiming to offer comprehensive
solutions that significantly reduce consumers’
impact on the planet, while simultaneously
allowing everyone to enjoy a higher standard of
living. It is a worthy goal, and one that combines
Panasonic’s strengths into an offer that competitors
will struggle to match. Panasonic has a
wealth of good stories to tell, and a strong stance
on corporate citizenship. Under its “Sharing the
Passion” slogan, Panasonic served as an Olympic
Partner during the 2012 London Games. The brand
now needs a consistent approach to communications
and dialogue worldwide.