Panasonic Withdrawing from EU Laundry?

[rolls_rapide]

I came across this 'rumour' yesterday.

The odd thing is, there may be a ring of truth to it. Some of the major retailers no longer stock Panasonic washing machines (John Lewis, Currys, Co-op electrical, AO.com).

The link is to a very brief summary of the IFA Show.

http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/appliance-industry-news/4311-what-happened-at-ifa

 

[henene4]

Panasonic isn't building machines for around here anyways anymore. They are Gorenjes with a lot of Panaonic gene to them.

 

[rolls_rapide]

I know that Gorenje built them for Panasonic. What I'm saying is, virtually nobody seems to sell Panasonic machines now - not even Euronics independents.

The exception was Tesco.com (2 Panasonics) - but I think Tesco works in partnership with local independent shops.

http://www.euronics.co.uk/laundry/washing-machines

 

[rolls_rapide]

Maybe they've decided it's too much hassle competing with all the other manufacturers?

 

[iheartmaytag]

Panisonic

Has already pulled out of the vacuum business in the north american market. I am wondering if these paring back measures are in anyway connected to their heavy involvement in the mega battery plant with Telsa automobiles.

 

[rolls_rapide]

German retailers such as Saturn.de still seem to have them, so maybe it's just a UK phenomenon?

http://www.saturn.de/de/category/_w...aturnDEdec475959&filterCategoriesROOT%2FHaush

 

[iej]

I would doubt it has anything to do with the Tesla plant. It could simply be that there isn’t enough of a profit margin in those type of household goods.

The washing machines section is blank on PanasonicStore here

https://www.panasonicstore.ie/product-category/kitchen-range/washing-machines/

They were very nice machines and particularly at the price points.

Panasonic owns 10.74% of Gorenje. They were rumored to be buying the while company last year but nothing came if it.

Gorenje make very nice machines, it’s a shame their brand recognition is low. I wonder if it’s down to it being almost unpronounceable or at least doesn’t roll off the tongue in English and several other languages. Eg French and Spanish.

 

[rolls_rapide]

PanasonicStore

Interestingly, the UK online store, purports to sell washing machines, as per the link below...

But when you do click on 'Products' - 'Home Appliances', you're only given 'Microwaves', 'Small Appliances' and 'Breadmakers'.

Very odd.

http://https//panasonicdirect.store.panasonic.co.uk/

 

[mralex]

Rolls_rapide - One thing for sure.. They make great bread makers, Ours is probably reaching its 10 year birthday and it makes great breads and has good recipes in the manual

 

[rolls_rapide]

Breadmakers

I agree. My mum has one, and the bread was delicious - but it's not been used for a good few years though.

 

[iej]

They make very good combination ovens too!

 

[rolls_rapide]

Combination Ovens

They do indeed. I've got one and I'm very impressed by the versatility of it.