Panasonic ending vacuum manufacturing?

[blackheart]

A few weeks ago i took a trip and visited a shop i'm familiar with. I learned a lot from the guy, but I think the most impacting thing he said was that Panasonic will be ending their production of vacuums. I can't remember when he said this will be happening. Kinda sad to see them they they've made some nice machines over the years.

 

[fan-of-fans]

He may know insider information, but I kind of doubt that is true. They have still been coming out with new vacuum designs lately, which I don't think they would be if they were going to stop making vacuums.

 

[eurekaprince]

If true, that would severely impact the Kenmore vacuum line-up as some of the best Kenmores (not the low-end budget models) are made by Panasonic for Sears. If true, this would truly be a major blow to the vacuum cleaner world - especially the North American market.

 

[panasonicvac]

They will still make their cheaper models and they will continue making vacuums for Kenmore but the top of the line performance plus platinums are for sure going to be gone soon.

 

[panasonicvac]

Actually I take that back

I just spoke with my old buddy and told me the confirmed news. As of December they will no longer be making vacuums but they will still make parts for them. Also Panasonic did not renew their contract with sears so the Kenmores made by Panasonic will also be gone as well.

 

[blknblu]

A sign of the times, just like the Japanese TV manufacturers getting out of the business, as the American ones did before them. these are the ones I remember getting out recently. Brand names won't mean a thing, like RCA or Westinghouse (nothing to do with the old companies). Sony of course has not made a TV in years, it was subcontracted out.


 


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[panasonicvac]

Just like Panasonic

This similar experience also happened with Sharp and Sanyo when they also quit making vacuums as well.

 

[sharkcar19998]

Hold up,

Does this mean no more kenmore progressive? If so we are falling into Armageddon

 

[fan-of-fans]

That is quite shocking. Since I think all of Kenmore's current canisters, stick vac, and most uprights except for the very entry-level are made by Panasonic, do you think they will find another manufacturer or will they discontinue them altogether? I had felt for awhile that something may happen to Kenmore vacuums at some point because of the issues Sears is having. But I didn't ever expect it to be because of Panasonic leaving the vacuum market. I guess sometimes when you are used to having something, you think you always will, and take it for granted. That is very sad indeed, a double whammy really.

 

[panasonicvac]

Yes

Any Kenmore Progressive that is made by Panasonic will be discontinued by the end of the year. But they will still make most parts available for them

 

[panasonicvac]

fan of fans

Yes it will be a shame as Panasonic is and always will be my favorite brand but I'm overall not that surprised really as you said that sears always had some issues with not selling stuff well anymore and most dealers overall recommend and sold Riccar/Simplicity more than Panasonic because of their better quality and performance.

 

[delaneymeegan]

 


 


I find it hard to believe they will simply STOP making them.  It's more likely they will sell the division that does the manufacturing.  Selling would give a profit for the company.  STOPPING wouldn't provide any income for the assets.  .....unless another manufacturer has bought certain parts of their manufacturing division OR paying them to STOP.


 


One way a company eliminates competition, is by buying parts of their competitor, or Paying them to STOP.

 

[ryan1994jeep]

When you see the end is near...

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2016...kenmore-craftsman-diehard-to-shore-up-losses/

 

[panasonicvac]

Now I wonder if Panasonic will still continue to make motors on Dysons. I will have to find out about that

 

[human]

Sears has been circling the drain for a long time. The Craftsman brand would be fairly easy to sell off. Those products have been available at other stores like Ace Hardware for quite some time. Kenmore would be much more difficult since it's just a brand they slap on other manufacturers' products.

As for Panasonic-made Kenmore vacuum cleaners, I will shed not one tear for them as they are totally flimsy plastic shit. I'm sure Sears will just slap their name on some other Chinese made plasticrap vacs and most of the buying public won't even notice the difference, even if they do accidentally wander into a Sears store.

 

[eurekaprince]

This is terrible news for Canadians. Sears was the only department store where you could see a large selection of high end bagged vacuum cleaners. Panasonc/Kenmore uprights were excellent cleaners as were many of their power nozzle canisters. Canada has seen the loss of all Electrolux vacuums, all Miele uprights and now all Panasonic vacs. Our selection is dwindling each year. Very sad.

 

[sebo_fan]

Welcome to our world in Europe and UK....

 

[vacerator]

Yes, but

Panasonic has an Asian made line of vacuums, so we may see more of those in the USA?

 

[eurekaprince]

Maybe Sears will now need to find another manufacturer for their Kenmore line. Tacony in Missouri seems the obvious choice since the "Made in USA" philosophy might work well in Sears stores. Tacony for the high-end vacs and TTI for the low-end vacs. Makes sense to me. So sad to see Panasonic go - as sad as seeing Eureka Williams disappear.