Panasonic celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Panasonic Corporation by Konosuke Matsushita.
Since its founding in 1918, Panasonic has dedicated itself to improving people’s lives. This claim is still reflected in the company’s vision of “A Better Life, A Better World”. From the first connector in 1918, to the electric irons of the 1920s, to the first washing machines, televisions, and refrigerators in the 1950s, Panasonic’s innovative products and solutions have always addressed people’s needs.
The brand history of Panasonic Toughbook goes back more than 30 years to 1987, when Panasonic began producing portable PCs. Following the launch of its first rugged Panasonic Toughbook CF-25 notebook in 1996, the company built its own rugged equipment factory in Kobe, Japan. For 20 years, Panasonic has led the European markets for rugged laptops and tablets. Panasonic sold more than its entire competitor in the market last year with its two brands, Toughbook and Toughpad, in Europe. Meanwhile, the focus also extends to handheld devices. Almost a third of the product range is now tailored to this market.
“Two decades ago, mobile computing was very much focused on what IT can do for office environment managers,” said Kevin Jones, Managing Director of Panasonic Mobile Solutions Business in Europe. “Panasonic took a different perspective. Our idea was to design and build mobile computers that help field workers in their often harsh work environments while improving productivity through durable and performance-oriented devices. The Toughbook brand was born! ”
Some Highlights in Panasonic’s 100-year History
Panasonic was founded in 1918 by Konosuke Matsushita. This year, Panasonic introduced its first innovation, the improved connector. From that day on, the company introduced a series of new products:
- 1927
- Panasonic introduces its first household appliance, an electric iron.
- 1937
- Panasonic hairdryers have been popular around the world since the company’s first model was launched.
- 1952
- Panasonic introduces its first television.
- 1958
- Panasonic launches its first window air conditioner on the market.
- 1965
- Panasonic launches its first product of the Technics brand.
- 1977
- Panasonic combines a convection oven with a microwave oven.
- 1982
- Panasonic introduces its first consumer video camera with portable recorder.
- 1996
- Panasonic introduces the first rugged Toughbook CF-25 notebook.
- 2008
- The Lumix G is the world’s first digital mirrorless system camera – an invention that has fundamentally changed photography.
- 2018
- Panasonic brings voice control for entertainment systems in the car.
