Recent Press Releases

Las Vegas, USA (April 17, 2005) - Panasonic, the leading brand by which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known, today announced that Host Broadcast Services (HBS AG, Switzerland), the Host Broadcaster for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ has selected Panasonic DVCPRO video equipment for the sporting event with the largest TV audiences on earth.

According to the agreement between HBS and Panasonic, Panasonic DVCPRO HD/50 equipment will be used for all 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ matches. Prior to the next FIFA World Cup‘ HBS will also evaluate DVCPRO P2 solid-state memory by using it at the 2005 Confederations Cup also to be held in Germany. Panasonic DVCPRO 50 was used at the 2002 FIFA World Cup‘ in Korea/Japan with great success.

HBS is confident that the use of Panasonic equipment will yet again contribute to success in providing a huge amount of excitement for the 2006 World Cup™ match coverage at the International Broadcasting Center in Munich and throughout the various venues in Germany.

Panasonic’s 4:2:2, 100Mbps DVCPRO HD and 50 Mbps DVCPRO 50 equipment will be used as the main equipment - along with the planned new DVCPRO P2 solid-state memory - to cover the more than 2,000 hours of live match broadcast over 31days, from June 9 to July 9 in 2006 in Germany.

About Panasonic

Best known by 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$71.92 billion for the year ended March 31, 2004. The company’s shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, New York (NYSE:MC), Euronext Amsterdam and Frankfurt stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company’s website at http://panasonic.net/.