1 The Apprentice
2 Seeking a New Market in Tokyo
3 On hte Move
4 Lead by Example
5 Starting with Less than Nothing
6 A run of Bad Luck
7 Company Foundation
8 The Third Crisis
9 Entry into the Electric Appliance Industry
10 SANYO Move into the Appliance Business
11 Venturing into the Global Market
12 Great Leap Forward
13 From President to Chairman
14 The End of An Era

The Life And times of Toshio Iue. Founder of SANYO

SANYO Moves into the Appliance Business 1 2 3

Domestic Boom in Electrical Appliances


Domestic Boom in Electrical Appliances
Developing jet-style machines presented several difficulties. Since this type consumed more energy, SANYO had to develop a small-size, high-power motor. Another problem involved already existing patents on jet-style washing machines. Toshio didn't want to pay huge patent fees but he also wanted to make sure that SANYO did not infringe on any other manufacturer's patent.
After resolving these issues, SANYO successfully launched Japan's first jet-style washing machine – the SW-53. This machine was priced at 28,500 yen, which was about half that of agitation-style machines. Toshio instructed retailers on the sales tactics they should use to entice customers. "Tell them that using this machine will make their life much easier. And since they won't be tired after a long, hard day of doing laundry, they will look younger and more beautiful. Don't press them to buy the product. Lend it out for a week so that they can see for themselves just how convenient it is." SANYO's monthly output of washing machines reached 10 thousand units in August of 1954. By the following year, the company had acquired a 28.8% share of the market – the largest segment in the industry. This made SANYO a household name throughout the country.

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