Panasonic Ships Over 100 million Units of Mobile Communication Terminals to Japanese Phone Carriers

JCN Newswires, April 3, 2008

Tokyo, Japan, Apr 3, 2008 - (JCN Newswire) - Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd (Panasonic Mobile) announced that at the end of March this year it became the first mobile phone manufacturer to achieve a record delivery of 100 million units of mobile communication terminals to Japanese mobile phone carriers. These carriers include NTT DoCoMo, Inc., KDDI Corporation and SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp.

Panasonic Mobile, formerly known as Matsushita Communications Industrial Co., Ltd., began supplying mobile communication terminals in 1979 and delivered the first automobile-mounted cell phone, the 800MHz "TZ-801" to Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation. Panasonic Mobile reached milestones of 10 million units in June, 1997 and 50 million units in March, 2001.

Prior to the start of the automobile telephone service in December, 1979, the company shipped 100 units of the "TZ-801" that had a capacity of 6,600 cc and weighed about 7 kg. This model was followed by the first "shoulder phone" that could be detached easily from a car holder and be carried around on the caller's shoulder.

The company contributed to the development of mobile phone industry by delivering its first mobile phone "TZ-802B" in 1987, the world's smallest and lightest "mova(R) P" in 1991, and the digital mobile phone "mova P201 HYPER" in 1996. Weighing less than 100 g, the mova "P201 HYPER" became a big hit because of its compact, lightweight body and its user-friendly features.

Panasonic Mobile has always endeavored to develop and provide attractive products to meet our customers' needs. At the commencement of new mobile phone services such as "i-mode(R)" in 1999, "i-mode FeliCa(R) Mobile Wallet" in 2004 and the "one-segment" terrestrial digital broadcasting in 2006, Panasonic Mobile introduced these services compatible handsets.

The "FOMA(R) P905i" under the name of "VIERA keitai" for NTT DoCoMo has become the 100 millionth mobile terminal delivered by Panasonic Mobile.

The "FOMA(R) P905i" is highly appreciated by customers as it incorporates high-quality picture technologies developed by Panasonic for its "VIERA" large-screen flat-panel TVs. The phone also has a unique two way access style allowing users to choose to open the phone either vertically (for standard phone usage) or horizontally (for television viewing).

About Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Industrial)

Best known for its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the Company recorded consolidated net sales of US$77.19 billion for the year ended March 31, 2007. The Company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:MC) stock exchanges. For more information on the Company and the Panasonic brand, visit the Company's website at http://panasonic.net/ .

About Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.

Panasonic Mobile Communications Co., Ltd., whose headquarters are based in Yokohama, Japan, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of mobile communications products. As one of the main business domains for Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand digital electronics, Panasonic has been developing cutting edge technologies since its establishment in 1958, including the world's first 3G video handset for the Japanese market in 2001. Panasonic is committed in providing added-value solutions to end-users through its mobile communication products. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.co.jp/pmc/en

Source: Panasonic (Matsushita Electric Industrial)

Contact:

Panasonic Mobile Communications
Public Relations Office
Email: kanegawa.junji@jp.panasonic.com

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