PC Panasonic Corp.

Panasonic, a recognized leader in cordless power tool technology, announced today the launch of a new line of Tough IP™ 14.4V Li-Ion Cordless Power Tools featuring dust and water resistant technology recognized under international standards administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) -- the international standards and conformity assessment body for all fields of electro technology. The Panasonic Tough IP line will be available on September 20, 2010 via Panasonic Tough IP Dealers nationwide and at www.panasonic.com/cordlesstools.

The Panasonic Tough IP line features 13 cordless power tools, including a range of drills & drivers, hammer drills, impact driver and wrench, jig saw, circular saw and a grinder -- all ideally suited for a broad range of construction industry professionals. All Panasonic Tough IP kits include two Li Ion batteries, a charger and a carrying case or bag.

Rated Tough by IEC Each of Panasonic Tough IP Cordless Power Tools were awarded a rating of IP56 by the IEC (according to IEC60529) classifying them "Dust-protected" and "Protected against powerful water jets." The two numbers in the rating are for dust resistance and water resistance respectively.

To achieve an IP rating, each of the Tough IP tools underwent dust and water resistance testing by the IEC. The IEC testing protocol put the tools in an environment where they were exposed separately to both heavy dust and water jets. After each separate test, the tool is checked to ensure it still continues to function properly. The higher the IP rating, the stronger the tool is to resist dust and water.

For more information on IEC IP Ratings, please visit www.iec.ch.

"We recently conducted a survey of professionals asking them the top issues they face on a regular basis with their cordless power tools," said Ed Cini, Panasonic's national marketing manager for power tools. "Among the top three concerns were the effects of dust and water on their valuable equipment. Our Tough IP line of cordless power tools was designed to address these concerns and provide professionals across a broad range of construction disciplines with tools that can withstand the rigors of outdoor work under extreme conditions. We are very proud that our Tough IP products meet the strict standards for water and dust resistance set forth by the IEC."

Tough IP™ Drill & Driver Tools The Panasonic Tough IP Cordless Power Tool line features a range of Drill & Driver models, each designed to meet the specific needs of a range of professionals.

EY7441 Drill & Driver -- The EY7441 features two versions: a market leading LZ model featuring a high capacity 3.1Ah Li-Ion battery for extraordinary endurance and an LE model with a 1.5Ah Li-Ion battery for compact power.

• The EY7441LZ2S (MSRP $319.00) sets a benchmark in battery endurance, driving up to 330 6x2 1/4" screws (in soft wood) on a single charge. The model's 390 inch lbs. of torque delivers the ability to perform a diverse range of applications. The LZ battery pack delivers 25% more run time per charge than the current Panasonic "N" type battery.

• The EY7441LE2S (MSRP $269.00) offers a combination of light weight (3.3 lbs.) and compact length (7-5/8") for ease of use, especially in tight areas or working overhead. A fully charged battery delivers enough power to drive up to 150 6x2 ¼" screws (in soft wood) and can be fully recharged in only 35 minutes.

EY7940LZ2S Hammer Drill & Driver -- The EY7940 (MSRP $332.00) features a hammer drill function which delivers precise percussion drilling (up to 25,200 blows per minute in high power mode) into masonry, bricks and tiles. In Drill Driver Mode it achieves 390 inch lbs. of torque and offers the same application range as EY7441LZ2S.

There is also an LED work light which allows working in dark areas by focusing light at the point of the drill.

Tough IP Combination Kits The Panasonic Tough IP line also includes four different combination kits.

EYC190LZ Impact Driver -- Includes the EY7441LZ DD, an EY7540 impact driver, a charger, two 3.1Ah battery packs and a plastic carrying case.

EYC190LE Impact Driver -- Includes the EY7441LE DD, an EY7540 impact driver, a charger, two 1.5Ah battery packs and a plastic carrying case.

EYC191LZ Impact Wrench -- Includes the EY7441LZ DD, an EY7541 impact wrench, two 3.1Ah battery packs and a plastic carrying case.

EYC194LZ Multipurpose Saw -- Includes the EY7441LZ DD, an EY4542 metal saw, two 3.1Ah battery packs and a carry bag.

Leading Battery Technology

Driving the revolutionary performance of Panasonic's Tough IP Cordless Power Tools is Panasonic's proprietary battery pack technology which features:

Panasonic's Solid Solution Technology (PSS) -- PSS is a method of hardening and dissolving key battery component substances such as cobalt and nickel, which dramatically improves safety and reliability, while also achieving greater performance compared to manganese lithium batteries found in many other cordless tools.

High-Capacity Cobalt Lithium Chemistry -- This chemistry offers the benefits of lower internal resistance, reduced electrical loss, and lower temperatures in the battery cells to deliver a longer battery life. Panasonic Li-Ion battery packs have twice the total lifetime performance versus existing Ni-Cd battery packs.

GuardION System -- Panasonic Tough IP™ Cordless Power Tools utilize Panasonic's unique GuardION system which monitors each battery cell during battery charging and during tool use to prevent over discharging and overheating of the battery pack.

Self Diagnostic Charger -- Tough IP Tools also feature a self diagnostic universal battery charger which electronically monitors the condition of each battery cell in the battery pack during the charging process to deliver full charging with minimal heat generation. The charger will charge all Panasonic Li-Ion battery chemistries ranging from 14.4V - 28.8v.

For more information on the complete line of Panasonic Tough IP Cordless Power Tools and Panasonic Tough IP dealers, please visit www.panasonic.com/cordlesstools or call 1-800-338-0552.

About Panasonic: Based in Secaucus, NJ, Panasonic Corporation of North America markets a broad line of digital and other electronics products for consumer, business and industrial use. The company is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC), and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. branding, marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic and its products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.

Panasonic Tough IP™ Cordless Power Tools Drill & Driver Technical Specifications

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            MODEL                              EY7441LZ2S
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Volts                       14.4V
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Battery Capacity            Li-ion 3.1Ah
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Max. torque                 390 inch-pounds
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Speed at No Load            Low 70 - 400 rpm; High 200 - 1,400 rpm
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Clutch torque (approx.)     4.3- 39 in. lbs. (2.0 in. lbs. per stage, total
                            18 stages. Max.torque at drilling position.)
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Charging Time               60 minutes*
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Weight (incl. battery)      3.75 lbs.
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Size (L x H x W)            7 5/8" x 8 55/64" x 2 3/8"
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MSRP                        $319.00
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            MODEL                              EY7441LE2S
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Volts                       14.4V
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Battery Capacity            Li-ion 1.5Ah
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Max. torque                 351 inch-pounds
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Speed at No Load            Low 70 - 400 rpm; High 200 - 1,400 rpm
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Clutch torque (approx.)     4.3- 39 in. lbs. (2.0 in. lbs. per stage, total
                            18 stages. Max.torque at drilling position.)
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Charging Time               35 minutes*
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Weight (incl. battery)      3.30 lbs.
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Size (L x H x W)            7 5/8" x 8 55/64" x 2 3/8"
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MSRP                        $269.00
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            MODEL                              EY7940LZ2S
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Volts                       14.4V
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Battery Capacity            Li-ion 3.1Ah
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Max Torque                  390 in. lbs.
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Speed at No Load            Low 70 - 400 rpm High 200 - 1400 rpm
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Clutch Torque (approx)      8.7 - 37 in.lbs. (2.0 in.lbs. Per stage, total
                            18 stage) (max torque at drilling position)
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Blows Rate per Minute       Low 1,260 - 7,200 bpm, High 3,600-25,200 bpm
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Charging Time               60 minutes
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Weight (incl. Battery)      3.86 lbs.
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Size (LxHxW)                7 7/8" x 8 55/64" x 2 61/64"
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MSRP                        $332.00
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Editorial Contacts: Chris De Maria (Panasonic) 201-348-7182 christopher.demaria@us.panasonic.com Bob Ankosko (GLA PR) 732-651-2385 bob@glapr.com For photography, please contact Bob Ankosko.