Matsushita Electric (Panasonic) Introduces The Industry's First GPS-equipped Electric Bicycle
JapanCorp: <http://www.japancorp.net/?page_num=1> Matsushita Electric (Panasonic) Introduces The Industry's First GPS-equipped Electric Bicycle Osaka, Japan, June. 17, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - National Bicycle Industrial Co., Ltd., an affiliate of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE and PCX: MC; TSE: 6752), manufacturing bicycles and electric bicycles under the Panasonic, National and Harmony brands, today announced it is introducing the industry's first electric bicycle equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) linked to security services supplied by SECOM Co., Ltd., Japan's leading security company. The user can locate their bicycle in real time by connecting to SECOM's website or by calling a SECOM operator. The GPS-equipped bicycles come in three different models and are planned to be released onto the Japanese market in mid-August with a price range of 74,800 yen to 124,800 yen. Users can also purchase the new system separately and have it installed on earlier models of electric bicycles manufactured by National Bicycle. Power-assisted bicycles have become popular in Japan, with growth this year projected to overtake last year's by 25 percent, but cases of theft are a growing problem. A report shows that a majority of electric bicycle owners are worried about losing their relatively expensive means of transport. Stolen bicycles are usually abandoned in public spaces after a single use, which can lead to traffic accidents in crowded areas. Jettisoned bicycles can also cause environmental problems. "National Bicycle hopes that the GPS feature will deter theft," says Hiroshi Nakagawa, President of National Bicycle. Even if the bicycle is stolen, its location can be tracked, and a SECOM security agent will rush to the spot upon the user's request. The company also predicts future applications of this real-time locating feature in such areas as the rental bike business, since it will assist with improved management and operational efficiency. Each model comes in two sizes to fit the user's height. The popularly priced BE-SHS 632 and 432 have a suggested retail price of 74,800 yen. The lightweight BE-SHD 63A and 43A weigh less than 20 kilograms, and cost 94,800 yen. The BE-SHE 63A and 43A, which travel up to 62 kilometers per charge, are 124,800 yen. Prices include the battery charger. About Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (6752), best known for its Panasonic, National, Technics, and Quasar brands, is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronics products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated sales of US$51.7 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2002. In addition to stock exchanges in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan, Matsushita's shares are listed on the Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, New York , Pacific, and Paris stock exchanges.For further information, please visit the Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. home page at: www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html <http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html> Contact Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Akira Kadota, International PR, Tokyo kadota@hqs.mei.co.jp Tel: 03-3578-1237 Fax: 03-3437-2776 _____ June. 17, 2003, 13:59 (JST) Source: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html <http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html> From the Japan Corporate News Network www.japancorp.net <http://www.japancorp.net> Topic: New Product Sectors: Telematics & Software, Games & Entertainment, Electronic Components, Consumers General, Electronics General, Auto General © 2003 JCN Newswire. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK. All rights reserved.