Environmental Leader

Panasonic is planning to take over its rival Sanyo Electric. The deal would create one of the world’s largest electronics makers, but Panasonic is not in it for Sanyo’s gadgets. Instead, Panasonic wants Sanyo’s green-energy pillars: solar-cell technology and rechargeable batteries, Associated Press reports (via International Herald Tribune).

Panasonic does not have a solar panel operation while Sanyo produces solar panels for homes and businesses – it is also a sector likely to grow.

In addition, Sanyo also leads in rechargeable batteries. Panasonic currently makes batteries for Toyota, but a Sanyo deal is important because it supplies batteries for Volkswagen, Honda and Ford. As vehicle’s emissions standards tighten, rechargeable battery use is expected to grow in cars like hybrids and electric vehicles.

In September, David McNeill of irishtimes.com questioned if Sanyo’s solar ark signaled a company shift or was merely a publicity stunt.

The ark was cited by Norman Weinstien as a structure that integrates the values of utility, beauty, cost, durability, and sustainability.

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