Sharp And 3M Company Mark Launch Of New AQUOS(R) Models With Enhanced Co-Marketing Efforts

September 19, 2006

Sharp, a worldwide leader in flat-panel Liquid Crystal Televisions (LC-TV), and 3M are marking the introduction of the first televisions produced at an 8th generation LCD panel plant by stepping up their two year long co-marketing campaign with new initiatives designed to enhance awareness of Sharp's AQUOS line of LC-TVs and 3M Vikuiti(TM) brightness enhancement films. "3M Vikuiti technology helps us deliver amazing picture quality to AQUOS customers," said Bob Scaglione, senior vice president and group manager of Sharp's Product and Marketing Group. "We're happy to join with 3M to further showcase the Sharp and 3M Vikuiti(TM) brands." In the 4th quarter of 2006, 3M will be adding the "Sharp" and "AQUOS" logos to its NASCAR car for both the Busch series as well as the Checker Auto Parts 500 Nextel Cup series races being held in Phoenix on November 11th and 12th respectively. Additionally, 3M and Sharp will jointly produce four freestanding inserts that will run nationally in the months of November and December 2006. Finally, both companies will be providing links to the other's respective web sites for consumers to learn more about the other's products and benefits. On August 31st, Sharp introduced two new widescreen, full-HD 1080p AQUOS sets in new screen sizes, 46-inch (LC-46D62U) and 52-inch (LC-52D62U), produced at Sharp's groundbreaking new generation 8 LCD plant, Kameyama No. 2. The Kameyama No. 2 plant began production operation in early August and will enable Sharp to build the most advanced flat-panel televisions in the world, and also help to meet the growing demand for competitively-priced large-screen high-definition (HD) LC- TVs in the U.S. Sharp's new D62U models feature a dramatically enhanced black level, producing a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none, and an elegant, new, fluid design that redefines the standard for flat-panel display. Sharp AQUOS LC-46D62U & LC-52D62U, and several other models in the AQUOS line feature 3M Vikuiti(TM) brightness enhancement films, which makes the TV "brighter in any light". With 3M Vikuiti(TM) films and Sharp's other proprietary LCD technologies, AQUOS LC-TV's produce clear, crisp and vibrant images not only in dark but bright rooms as well. "Sharp's AQUOS line sets a new standard in LC-TV picture quality," said Andy Wong VP Optical Systems Division 3M. "3M Vikuiti(TM) films play an integral part in producing the bright, crisp images for which the AQUOS brand is known. We're delighted to work with Sharp to promote these LCD TVs and look forward to further enhancing our relationship." Sharp Electronics Corporation is the Mahwah, N.J.-based marketing and sales subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, a worldwide developer of the core technologies that are integral to shaping the next generation of home entertainment products, appliances, networked, multifunctional office solutions, solar energy and mobile communication and information tools. Leading brands include AQUOS(R) Liquid Crystal Televisions, 1-Bit(TM) digital audio products, SharpVision(R) projection products, Carousel(R) microwaves, IMAGER(TM) digital multifunctional systems, and Notevision(R) multimedia projectors. Sharp Electronics Corporation employs approximately 2,000 people throughout the U.S. supporting more than 50 product lines. About 3M A Global, Diversified Technology Company Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit http://www.3M.com.

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