Matsushita changes name to Panasonic

Japanese electronics maker Matsushita Electric Industrial will change the name of its North American businesses starting Jan. 1. The North American headquarters of Matsushita--which is better known by its biggest brand, Panasonic--will formally go by the name Panasonic Corporation of North America. Other entities in the United States and Mexico will be taking on the Panasonic name during 2005. The Matsushita name, which comes from founder Konosuke Matsushita, will still be used in Japan.