Core Viewpoint - Panasonic Group is committed to deepening its investment and operations in the Chinese market, with a focus on AI and energy sectors as key areas for future growth [1][4][8]. Financial Performance - In the fiscal year 2024, Panasonic Group achieved revenue of 84,582 billion yen (approximately 407.4 billion RMB) and a net profit of 3,662 billion yen (approximately 17.6 billion RMB), with revenue from China accounting for 24.4% of global revenue and profit from China representing 30% of the total [3]. Business Segments - The home appliances and residential equipment business accounts for about one-third of Panasonic's revenue in China, while electronic components, automation equipment, batteries, and automotive parts make up the remaining two-thirds [4]. Future Investment Directions - Panasonic plans to focus its investments on AI and energy sectors, including electric vehicle batteries, perovskite batteries, and hydrogen energy [8]. Market Expectations - Despite some Japanese companies reporting a decline in revenue in the first half of the year, over half of the surveyed companies expressed intentions to increase or maintain their investments in China [6]. Recent Developments - Panasonic is set to begin construction of a new factory in Shanghai's Fengxian District, aimed at supporting its AI, semiconductor, and electric vehicle battery teams [11]. Sales Growth - In the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, Panasonic's sales in China increased by 3% year-on-year, with operating profit rising by 26%, driven by strong demand in electronic components and production equipment [7]. Localization Strategy - Panasonic has emphasized localizing its R&D efforts in China, with a significant increase in the number of software developers from 1,000 to 2,000 over the past six years, and aims to double this number in the next five years [13].
为求变“重仓”押注中国市场 松下控股全球副总裁本间哲朗：看好AI、能源领域，将强化现地化研发