Panasonic to Highlight Reliable, Durable Workflow Solutions at NACE 2005; Toughbook Mobile Data Wireless Display among Leading Technologies Used to Streamline Claims Estimating and Repair

SECAUCUS, N.J.--Oct. 2, 20056, 2005--Panasonic Computer Solutions Company today announced it will demonstrate its solutions for reliable, durable wireless workflow for the collision and insurance industries at the annual International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE), to be held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, November 2-5, 2005. Solutions from Panasonic, manufacturer of Toughbook(R) rugged and semi-rugged notebook computers, and its key solutions partners will be on view in booth W1951. In addition, Panasonic will participate in an educational session, "Demystifying Wireless Technology" on Wednesday, November 2.

Among the solutions on display will be Panasonic's rugged, ultra-portable Toughbook MDWD (Mobile Data Wireless Display), a versatile lightweight yet fully rugged mobile computing solution that works as an extension of any workstation or notebook PC or through a wireless network. The MDWD, in use by leading collision repair operations and insurance companies, allows real-time access to databases, schematics, claims processing and other software. As a result, the MDWD helps streamline estimating and repair processes, eliminating errors associated with paper processes and saving valuable time--for both service providers and customers.

Mike Rose's Auto Body, a San Francisco Bay Area collision repair organization with five locations, has seen significant increases in productivity since its adoption of the Toughbook MDWD, reducing in-take and estimate times by thirty minutes to an hour per vehicle.

According to Bruce Hubert, an estimator at Mike Rose's Auto Body, "I like the fact that I can write an entire estimate in the back lot, in one shot. Before the MDWD, we would have had to translate from a paper worksheet to the computer, adding steps that increase the likelihood of mistakes and slow down the process for everyone involved."

In addition to the MDWD, Panasonic will demonstrate the fully rugged CF-18 convertible tablet PC and CF-29 notebook computer, both widely used by insurance carriers nationwide. These models are now available with integrated access to the next generation EV-DO and EDGE wireless networks of all major carriers. These new devices have displays that are up to 300% brighter than commercial-grade notebooks. The LCDs were designed for the conditions facing estimators and repair professionals in the field.

Conference participants are also encouraged to attend the educational session, "Demystifying Wireless Technology" on Wednesday, November 2 at 10:30am, Room WE-14, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The panel, which includes industry and technology experts from State Farm Insurance, Caliber Collision and Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, is designed to provide an overview of wireless innovation and trends, and what they mean for the collision repair and insurance industries. More information is available at http://www. naceexpo.com/nace05/public/sessiondetails.aspx?SessionID=649 (Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field.)

"For insurance companies and body shops nationwide, time is money," said Mark K. Lund, national sales manager for the insurance and financial services industries, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. "Together with our partners, we have achieved significant momentum in delivering wireless solutions that improve workflow and streamline operations, from the bumper, where claims are first processed, to the shop floor, where repairs are completed. NACE offers us a tremendous opportunity to connect with leaders in one of the key industries we serve."

About Panasonic Computer Solutions Company

Panasonic Computer Solutions Company is the leading provider of ruggedized notebook PCs for mobile professionals in the USA. The company is a unit of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. of Japan , which recorded annual sales of $81.44 billion in the most recently reported fiscal year. Matsushita Electric is one of the only manufacturers today that directly controls the process of design, manufacture and quality assurance of its notebook PCs. Many key components, including LCD panels, Lithium-Ion batteries, DVD and CD-ROM drives, and board-level electronics are the products of its divisions. The products, people and business of Panasonic Computer Solutions Company are entirely dedicated to the needs of the professional user, including Fortune 1000 business and government professionals. Panasonic also supplies mobile computing solutions to over 4,000 police departments in the United States.

All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice. Information on Panasonic's full line of notebook PCs for the mobile professional can be obtained by calling 800-662-3537 or at http://panasonic.com/toughbook.