Panasonic's notebook PC brand “Let's Note” marks 30 years since its launch, and the company is reportedly planning to introduce a new 13.3-inch product this autumn. It also plans to strengthen its expansion into overseas markets, while keeping the Kobe plant at the center of its current production system.
Let's Note was launched in 1996, making this year its 30th anniversary. Although its lightweight and durable design has earned recognition, the influence of US and Chinese players remains substantial across the PC market as a whole.
Demand is mainly corporate, and the brand maintains the top share of domestic sales of 12-inch notebook PCs. However, projections indicate that the Lenovo Group–NEC joint venture leads total domestic shipments with a 29% share, while Panasonic accounts for only 1%.
Panasonic plans to launch a new Let's Note product this autumn with a 13.3-inch screen. It also plans to strengthen its overseas business by promoting its separately branded, more durable Toughbook line to factories and construction sites in Europe and North America.
The company aims to reduce costs through production centered on the Kobe plant and maintain price competitiveness by benefiting from economies of scale. Shusuke Aoki (青木秀介), an executive officer at Panasonic Connect, said the company would address new added-value needs through an integrated in-house manufacturing system.