Jan 09, 2013

Panasonic President Tsuga Delivers Opening Keynote at CES 2013

Today on January 8, 2013 at 8:30AM Pacific Standard Time, Panasonic President Kazuhiro Tsuga kicked off the 2013 edition of the International CES, one of the world's largest consumer electronics shows, by delivering the opening keynote speech at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. In setting the tone for the exhibition and the industry this year, Mr. Tsuga highlighted in his speech Panasonic's commitment as an eco-engineering company to offering innovative, eco and smart solutions that are the products of the efforts of its employees around the world to make a better world as well as creating real value for its customers.

Panasonic President Kazuhiro Tsuga on the Stage for the Opening Keynote

Tsuga was joined by Joe Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Corporation of North America, who introduced Panasonic's new 4k and OLED TV technologies and energy solutions while reiterating the company's focus on its "Business to Business to Consumer" strategy. He also referred to Panasonic's new U.S. headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, now being constructed in accordance with the LEED (Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification requirements, as an example of Panasonic's commitment to engineering a better world.

Many honorable guests also took to the stage including Mr. Tim Vanderhook, Co-founder and CEO of Specific Media, Mr. Phil Abram, Chief Infotainment Officer of General Motors, Mr. Rob Fyfe, former Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, Chairman of the Star Alliance and Member of the Board of Governors at IATA, and Mr. Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey (in order of appearance). In addition, Mr. Keith Turner, President of Sales and Marketing at Univision, Mr. Elon Musk, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tesla Motors, photojournalist Mr. Daniel Berehulak, Jim Compton, Vice Chairman of United Airlines, and Ms. Abby Wambach and Ms. Alex Morgan, members of the U.S. women’s soccer team for the London 2012 Olympic Games also appeared in the video during the keynote.

You can view the videos here http://panasonic.net/ces2013keynote/

The below topics were presented on in the opening keynote:

Your TV
Panasonic’s “Your TV” gives you the ability to personalize and customize, providing you with a great new service while giving you choice and freedom. It’s all you could ever want from your TV and more -- broadcast channels, video on demand, smart search and a rich social experience at your fingertips. All you have to do is say “My Home Screen,” and the built-in camera and facial recognition technology bring up your personal page. This new Home Screen is designed to personalize Your TV experience, and give you direct access to both the latest information and all your favorite content.
Your Home
Panasonic is offering energy solutions that are built on integrated solutions to create, store, save and manage energy. When it comes to creating energy, we bring to market innovative products like hydrogen fuel cells, in addition to solar panels. We’re also focusing on storing energy and it’s already gained a lot of traction overseas and we expect it to do the same here in the U.S. Engineering products that save energy has been a top priority at Panasonic for a very long time, including home appliances, audiovisual products, and LED lighting. To manage energy, Panasonic uses the Smart Energy Gateway, or SEG, which can be controlled through a variety of smart devices, both in your home and remotely. It checks power usage conditions throughout the house, and shows you exactly where and how you can save energy. We’re using this same template to serve customers well beyond the home, including stores and whole communities around the world.
Your Car
Our strategy for expanding our business with leading automakers is focused on two key areas.
First, we are transforming our expertise in home energy solutions into total solutions for electric vehicles. And second, we are taking the engineering behind our connected home AV solutions and delivering fully connected automotive solutions.
Batteries are only one aspect of Panasonic EV solutions. We have developed a Power Management System that greatly improves the efficiency of EV batteries a Heat Management System designed to reduce the tremendous power drain of air conditioning on hybrid and electric vehicles. These are just two of the new systems we are developing to make these vehicles attractive to more consumers.
Your Business
One strong focus of our B2B2C strategy is providing end-to-end solutions for retail that leverage the expertise of all our companies, from Audio Visual to Energy Solutions. or example, in Asia, Panasonic is partnering with a Japanese-based global convenience store chain, Lawson. In 2010, Panasonic helped Lawson to create a prototype “green store” that integrates a wide variety of Panasonic products. The results have been significant, with a 20% reduction in power consumption as compared to 2006. Last year, Panasonic began installing solar panels in 2,000 Lawson’s stores.
Your Journey
With 275 airline customers in our portfolio and more than 5,000 airplanes around the world fitted with our in-flight entertainment and communications systems, last year more than 500 million passengers experienced journeys enhanced by Panasonic avionics solutions.
Our portfolio of entertainment and information service solutions goes well beyond inflight entertainment services to include those for homes, lounges and hotels. In other words, our solutions fully support your entire journey.
Your Community
Panasonic is providing integrated solutions to enhance communities of all kinds, from informational kiosks and digital signage at leading universities to energy solutions that are making auto racing more sustainable. As the Official Worldwide AV Sponsor for the Olympic Games, Panasonic’s end-to-end broadcast solutions have made it possible for audiences around the world to share the passion of the Olympic Games for 25 years. Panasonic has also sponsored US Major League Soccer—a relationship that includes a whole range of integrated solutions in MLS stadiums around the country. In Japan, Panasonic supplied the LED lighting solutions for the TOKYO SKYTREE, and is building the Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town in Fujisawa City, which opens next year and will be home to thousands of people.

In closing, Tsuga commented,

Some of what we’ve shared today may seem unexpected and perhaps different than the Panasonic you have known in the past. But, if we are to achieve our goals, the imperative to transform and innovate has never been greater. However, the core values that drive us at Panasonic are not new at all. They have actually been part of our company’s DNA since it was founded by Konosuke Matsushita nearly 100 years ago -- to place people before products, contribute to our society, enhance and add value to the lives of customers, and to offer eco and smart solutions that make what matters most better. This is who we are and who we have always been. When all is said and done, it is just another way we are engineering a better world for you. Thank you very much!

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