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.

What Happened At IFA

Help, advice and spare parts for all appliances, washing machines, dishwashers, fridge, freezers, cookers with free forums for fault diagnostics

www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk

 

[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.

Washing Machines – Lighten the Load with Appliances from Top Brands

We have a great range of freestanding and built in washing machines to suit any home. With the latest tech, you’ll breeze through the family laundry. See more.

www.euronics.co.uk

 

[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/_waschmaschinen-475965.html?searchParams=%2FSearch.ff%3FfilterTabbedCategory%3Donlineshop%26filterCategoriesROOT%3DHaushalt%2B%252B%2BK%25C3%25BCche%2B%252B%2BBad%25C2%25A7SaturnDEdec475959%26filterCategoriesROOT%252FHaush

 

[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.