Panasonic increases its revenue share in the rugged notebook market and reports a 176% revenue share growth in the robust handheld market in Europe over the year.

Panasonic has consolidated its position as Europe’s leading provider of robust mobile computing solutions, according to the latest market analysis from VDC Research. With the TOUGHBOOK brand, Panasonic increased its market leadership in the European rugged notebook market to 67% in 2016. The TOUGHPAD brand leads the European robust tablet market with a 56% share of sales. The expansion into the European market for rugged handhelds accelerated sharply with growth of 176% of sales in 2015 compared to 2016.
“Despite a decline in the overall business notebook market, the market for rugged laptops is on the move,” says Kevin Jones, Managing Director of Panasonic Computer Products Solutions Europe. “The devices continue to be important tools for many mobile workers who need a keyboard for data entry. We focus on regularly improving our most successful TOUGHBOOK models and launching new robust 2‑in‑1 detachables. This strategy enabled us to increase our market share.”
New and Updated Products
For the past 12 months, Panasonic has rebuilt its flagship TOUGHBOOK “Semi Ruggedized” protection class, the CF-54, and improved performance while lowering power consumption. Panasonic has also unveiled two new 2‑in‑1 detachables that give mobile workers the best of both worlds — a tablet and a notebook in a single device. The latest robust Detachables reflect the demand of European companies for hybrid mobile devices with display sizes of 12 “- 13.3” according to the latest findings from IDC.
„Full Ruggedized“ 2‑in‑1 Detachable
The TOUGHBOOK CF-33 is a 2 in 1 Detachable with 12 “display and full ruggedized protection, two batteries with hot-swap function, removable keyboard and maximum flexibility of use and performance for mobile business computing. In addition to maintenance companies, emergency services, police, security and defense personnel, Panasonic also uses the CF-33 to target companies with service technicians, such as utilities and telecommunications.
„Semi Ruggedized“ 2‑in‑1 Detachable
Panasonic’s first “Semi Ruggedized” 2‑in‑1 Detachable offers tablet and notebook functionality in a lightweight, durable business device. The TOUGHPAD FZ-Q2 has a large 12.5 “display for easy readability and a variety of possible connections for connection to numerous systems and devices. It is aimed at mobile employees who can use it as needed as a tablet or as a notebook. This benefits technicians and mechanics in production, service technicians in the field and telecommunications as well as sales staff with customer contact in retail and hospitality.
Leading Supplier of Robust Tablets
In the market for robust tablets Panasonic continues to dominate with a sales share of 56% – a good eight times as high share as the second strongest competitor. Panasonic is continuously improving its models with Windows and Android sizes 7″ and 10″. In addition, the Automotive Mobile Test Solution (AMTS) was launched, which was developed in cooperation with the world’s leading car manufacturers to optimize engine initialization and production controls in vehicle production.
Focus on Growth in the Handheld Market
The focus of Panasonic on the European market for handhelds is also paying off. Almost a third of the product range is now tailored to this market. Panasonic notes a growth of 176% in the revenue share compared to 2015 compared to 2016. Handheld tablets such as the TOUGHPAD FZ-F1 and the TOUGHPAD FZ-N1 are on offer. With its unique, ergonomically integrated barcode scanner on the underside of the device, it protects users from repetition of joint overloads and Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), making them ideal for applications such as transportation & logistics, retail and manufacturing.
“With over 67% market share in the rugged notebook market and over 56% market share in the robust tablet market in EMEA, in 2016 Panasonic continued to set the standards against which competitors are measured,” said David Krebs, EVP Enterprise Mobility and AIDC, VDC Research. “Plus, with Panasonic’s world’s first” fully ruggedized “Detachable and its portfolio of rugged handheld tablets, it offers some of the most innovative products in the mobile computing market.”