Appliance firms unifying designs to boost global sales

Nikkei.com, 15 August 2010

In efforts to make their products more affordable particularly in emerging markets, Panasonic and other Japanese consumer electronics manufacturers are moving to standardize the basic design of their products to reduce R&D and production costs.  Panasonic Ecology Systems will standardize the basic design of air purifiers to be sold from September across Asia and the Middle East.  Their functions and colors vary by region, however.  The models for emerging markets, for example, will not include humidifying functions.  Toshiba will also standardize key parts for all of its washing machines.