|
| Panasonic Australia Managing Director Steve Rust |
|
As business cycles get shorter, companies need to adapt to changing markets and demands with greater flexibility.
Panasonic Australia Managing Director Steve Rust has set about building new systems and processes to ensure that the company grows even more efficient with the goal of providing outstanding service to its business partners and the Australian consumer.
In a market of around 20 million people, Panasonic enjoys a brand awareness level of nearly 100 percent and Australian consumers regard the Japanese brand as well respected, trusted and highly desirable.
“We benefit from bringing the culture of Panasonic to consumers within the Australian market. We have developed our people’s ability to think and act faster while maintaining our thorough planning within today’s shorter time frames. These are exciting times for Japanese companies, but we always focus on what is best for the long-term growth of the company,” says Rust.
Panasonic has achieved a great deal in Australia, with a market-leading position in a number of consumer electronics categories. Last year, it experienced 14 percent growth through the success of its high-quality products such as flat-panel TVs, DVD and Blu-ray recorders, and the LUMIX digital still camera range.
Boasting the second-highest Plasma TV penetration in the world after Japan, Panasonic’s VIERA Plasma TVs have gained a strong foothold in the market.
Retail partners have been vital to the company’s success while comprehensive service is provided through 800 independent service centers in Australia.
By sending 100 retailers to Japan to learn more about the technology behind Panasonic products, Panasonic has allowed its partners to learn fully why its technology remains among the best in the world.
Recently, Australia’s largest retailer awarded Panasonic its “Best Supplier” award.
The company is also expanding its digital presence through social networking platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr, with the goal of creating a broader, more accessible and interactive relationship with the customer audience.
Panasonic recognizes that globally more hours are spent on digital media, such as the Internet, than most other forms of media, including television and radio. This shift in behavior is driving the business’ desire to connect digitally with its audiences more effectively.
Rust predicts even further growth in the medium and long term.
“The younger generation is becoming more tech-savvy and this creates opportunities for us. Through our ‘Kid Witness News’ scheme, we are introducing Australian students to technology that enhances creativity and learning in the classroom,” he says.
“We are strong in Australia and have some of the best state-of-the-art,ecofriendly products. With this in mind, we understand that we have more work to do, and intend to continue providing the best products and services to our customers throughout Australia,” he adds.
www.panasonic.com.au
|