Japanese Quality Takes a Hit with 6 Recent Recalls
Though it is hard to beat Japanese quality, recent recalls by in Japan have left some to begin to wonder…to wonder if Japan is having trouble maintaining quality, then what about other manufacturers?
1. Nokia is recalling 46 million batteries made by Matsushita Battery Industrial Co.
2. Sony Corp. recalled 9.6 million batteries used in personal computers last year.
3. Sanyo Electric Co. replaced 1.3 million battery packs used in mobile phones last December.
4. Earlier this year, Matsushita also recalled 3.05 million microwaves, refrigerators and clothes dryer because of possible fire risks.
5. Sanyo Electric recalled 160,000 washer-dryers in January of this year AND in 2004.
6. In March of this year, Sharp Corp. recalled about 500,000 washing machines.
Japan has dominated the lithium-ion battery maker (Sanyo Electric -26%, Sony 14%, Matsushita - 10%) but serious competition can be expected from Samsung SDI (11%) and Chinese and Taiwanese makers IF Japan doesn't get its quality standards back…and get them back soon.
Is Japan's quality standards falling?
Regarding lithium-ion battery business Japan has still dominating position. Though especially in Asian market, Japanese companies are losing electronics products share to South Korean, Taiwanese and Chinese companies. With low price products Japan is already completely beaten by Asian companies. The legendary quality of Japanese companies functions only with high quality products, that are relatively selling sell in Europe and North America.
Probably those recent major Japanese product recalls are signs that Japanese companies are under enormous pressure of reducing cost and maintaining the quality standards at the same time.
Correction:
that are relatively selling WELL in Europe and North America.
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