For Panasonic, It's Not Easy Being Green
In its drive to reshape itself around the so-called green technology theme, Panasonic is caught in a tough balancing act.
The Japanese electronics giant is trying to shift more resources into environment-related businesses such as rechargeable batteries and solar panels. Yet nearly half of its revenue still comes from the audiovisual segment, consisting mainly of televisions. Also complicating the situation is the fact that its TVs aren’t making money.
Pressured by competition from South Korean rivals in traditional gadgets and appliances, Panasonic late last year acquired smaller Japanese electronics maker Sanyo Electric.
