History of Panasonic: From Matsushita Electric to Global Tech and EV Battery Leader
Panasonic Overview
Panasonic began in 1918 as a tiny workshop in Osaka, Japan. Today it is a global group that builds everything from home appliances to EV batteries. The company has changed names and business focus many times, but it kept its original mission to improve everyday life.
The Founder and the First Products (1918–1929)
In 1918, Konosuke Matsushita opened a small workshop called Matsushita Electric Devices Manufacturing Works. He started with simple wiring devices, including a two-way socket and an improved attachment plug. His brother-in-law, Toshio Iue, who later founded Sanyo Electric, joined him in the early days.
The business grew fast because Matsushita focused on quality and low prices. In 1922, the company moved into its first purpose-built head office and factory. By 1923, it launched a popular bullet-shaped bicycle lamp, which gave the company a steady base for growth.
In 1927, Matsushita introduced the “National” brand for battery-powered lamps. This brand would later cover many home products in Japan. By 1929, the company had a clear management objective and creed focused on service to society.
A Long-Term Mission and Employee Focus (1930s–1940s)
In 1932, Konosuke Matsushita announced a long-term mission that looked ahead for 250 years. He said the company existed to improve both material and spiritual prosperity in society. This mission guided decisions for decades and still shapes Panasonic’s culture.
The company also invested heavily in its people. In 1933, it reorganized into separate divisions for better management. It created the Hoichi Kai workers’ association, a training institute in 1934, and later Matsushita Hospital in 1940. These steps showed a strong commitment to employee welfare and education.
In 1935, the firm was incorporated as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. This move turned the fast-growing business into a modern corporation. The company already sold hundreds of products and employed thousands of workers across Japan.
War, Destruction, and Reconstruction
During World War II, Matsushita Electric Industrial produced items that supported the war effort. This included various electrical parts and even wooden boats and aircraft. Near the end of the war, many factories and offices were damaged or lost.
After Japan’s defeat, the Allied occupation authorities reviewed large companies. There were even plans to break up Matsushita Electric Industrial. Employees defended the company and their founder, and the breakup plan was dropped.
The company still had to rebuild from heavy losses. Many sites were gone, and a large share of the workforce had left. Matsushita responded with a strong reconstruction push and a renewed focus on supplying products that everyday people needed.
Post-War Growth and Global Brand Building (1950s–1970s)
In the 1950s, Matsushita rode the wave of Japan’s fast economic growth. It expanded into radios, televisions, and home appliances. The company also started to export products, especially to North America and Europe.
In 1955, it introduced the “Panasonic” brand for audio equipment sold abroad. This name was easy to say in many languages, which helped the company’s global ambitions. In 1965, it launched the “Technics” brand for high-end audio gear, including famous turntables.
Matsushita kept adding new factories and sales bases worldwide. By the 1970s, it had become one of the largest electronics makers on the planet. Its brands were present in homes, offices, and factories across many countries.
From National to a Unified Panasonic Brand
For many years, the company used different brands in different markets. “National” was big in Japan for appliances and consumer products. “Panasonic” and “Technics” were stronger overseas, especially in audio and video.
In the early 2000s, the company decided this mix was confusing. It started a major shift to make “Panasonic” the main brand worldwide. Around 2003, it rolled out the tagline “Panasonic ideas for life” and worked to unify product branding.
The National brand was gradually phased out. It disappeared from most international markets first, and by 2010 it also ended in Japan. This step made it easier to market a single, clear global brand.
From Matsushita Electric to Panasonic Corporation and Panasonic Holdings
The corporate name also evolved over time. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. kept that name for decades as it expanded globally. But the company became better known internationally by its product brand, Panasonic.
In 2008, Matsushita Electric Industrial changed its name to Panasonic Corporation. This aligned the company name with the brand customers already knew. It also signaled a more global, unified identity.
In 2022, after creating a holding company structure, the parent entity became Panasonic Holdings Corporation. Panasonic Corporation became one of several main operating companies under the group. This structure gives each business unit more freedom while keeping a shared vision.
Strategic Acquisitions: Sanyo and Panasonic Electric Works
Acquisitions have played a major role in Panasonic’s history. One of the most important was Sanyo Electric, the company founded by former Matsushita insider Toshio Iue. Sanyo was strong in batteries, solar cells, and other energy technologies.
In 2009, Panasonic acquired a majority stake in Sanyo Electric and made it a consolidated subsidiary. In April 2011, Panasonic made Panasonic Electric Works and Sanyo Electric wholly-owned subsidiaries through share exchanges.
Over time, the Sanyo brand was mostly phased out. Its technologies and assets were folded into Panasonic’s product lines. This helped Panasonic compete more strongly in batteries, components, and other high-value areas.
Panasonic and the EV Battery Revolution
One of Panasonic’s most important modern businesses is lithium-ion batteries. The company became a key supplier for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Its partnership with Tesla is the best-known example.
Panasonic agreed with Tesla in 2014 to invest in and lead battery cell production at Gigafactory Nevada. Panasonic supplies battery cells, while Tesla integrates them into packs and vehicles. Production there started in the late 2010s and has expaned many times.
The company continues to invest in EV battery capacity. It is developing new factories in North America, including a large plant in Kansas. Panasonic is also working on next-generation cells that aim for higher capacity and better efficiency.
Panasonic in the 21st Century
In recent decades, Panasonic has changed its focus. It reduced its presence in some crowded consumer electronics categories, such as commodity TVs. It pushed harder into areas where it can offer high value and long-term growth.
Today, much of its effort goes into energy, automotive, housing, and B2B solutions. Examples include EV batteries, in-vehicle infotainment, factory automation, and building systems. These areas fit global trends in electrification, sustainability, and smart infrastructure.
The 2022 move to a holding company structure supports this shift. Each major business operates as its own company under Panasonic Holdings. This makes it easier to invest, partner, and manage performance in different fields.
Panasonic Today: Key Business Areas
Panasonic Energy focuses on batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. It works with Tesla and other automakers and is expanding its global capacity. This segment is central to Panasonic’s growth story.
Panasonic Automotive develops systems for cars and commercial vehicles. This includes infotainment, cameras, and other electronic control units. Its technologies support safer, more connected vehicles.
Other units handle housing, appliances, and connected solutions. They deliver products and systems that improve comfort, efficiency, and sustainability in homes, offices, and public spaces. Together, they keep Panasonic close to everyday life while using advanced technology.
Lessons From Panasonic’s Story
Panasonic shows how a clear mission can guide a company for more than a century. Konosuke Matsushita’s focus on improving society still shapes decisions today. That long-term view helped the company survive war, crises, and rapid change.
The company also shows the power of investing in people. From early training schools and health services to modern development programs, Panasonic treats employees as a core strength. This approach helped it rebuild again and again.
Finally, Panasonic proves that big companies must keep evolving. It moved from lamps to televisions, then to solutions and EV batteries. Companies that learn, adapt, and realign their portfolio can stay relevant for generations.
Panasonic Timeline
1918
Konosuke Matsushita founds Matsushita Electric Devices Manufacturing Works in Osaka and starts making wiring instruments.
1922
The company builds its first purpose-designed head office and factory, supporting larger-scale production.
1927
The “National” brand is introduced for battery-powered lamps, laying the groundwork for a broad home-appliance brand in Japan.
1929
Matsushita announces a formal management objective and company creed focused on service to society.
1932
The founder sets out a long-term mission and a 250-year plan to build an ideal society with both material and spiritual prosperity.
1934–1935
The company creates training programs and worker associations and is incorporated as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
1940s
World War II brings heavy damage and major job losses, but postwar reconstruction begins under strict oversight.
1950s
Matsushita Electric Industrial expands into radios, televisions, and home appliances and starts building a global presence.
1955
The “Panasonic” brand appears on audio products for overseas markets, improving recognition outside Japan.
1965
The “Technics” brand launches for hi-fi audio, including high-performance turntables and sound systems.
2003
Panasonic begins unifying its brands worldwide and adopts the slogan “Panasonic ideas for life.”
2008
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. changes its name to Panasonic Corporation to match its global brand.
2009–2011
Panasonic acquires Sanyo Electric and Panasonic Electric Works and makes them wholly owned subsidiaries.
2010
The National brand is fully phased out in Japan, completing the shift to a unified Panasonic brand.
2014
Panasonic and Tesla reach agreement for Panasonic to produce lithium-ion cells at Gigafactory Nevada.
2017
Gigafactory Nevada begins mass production of lithium-ion battery cells by Panasonic.
2022
The parent company becomes Panasonic Holdings Corporation and adopts a holding company structure with multiple operating companies.
2023–2025
Panasonic opens Kansas EV battery plant and begins mass production of 2170 cells.
Sources: Panasonic Holdings – Company Profile, Panasonic – Group History 2009, Tesla – Gigafactory Agreement, Reuters – Panasonic to boost battery output at Tesla Gigafactory, Autoweek – Panasonic EV Battery Plant in Kansas, Wikipedia – Gigafactory Nevada, Global Fleet – Tesla–Panasonic Alliance Analysis