Panasonic Holdings forecasts a 23% increase in operating profit for its battery-making unit in the current business year, despite missing its profit estimates last year. The shortfall was attributed to reduced electric vehicle battery production in Japan and declining consumer product sales. Additionally, Panasonic has identified Japan as a new strategic market for its electric vehicle battery business, alongside the U.S., where it remains a key supplier to Tesla. The company also benefited from a U.S. car battery subsidy, contributing to a record net profit.