Sanyo Is Recharged by Focus on Advanced Batteries

A Possible Takeover by Panasonic Would Create a Dominant Player in Fast-Growing Segment Powering Laptops, Hybrid Cars

By Hiroko Tabuchi
The Wall Street Journal
November 6, 2008

From laptops to cars, advanced batteries have become a major factor in innovation. And if Panasonic Corp.’s possible takeover of Sanyo Electric Co. goes through, the merged company could become a dominant force in the fast-growing business.

Electronics makers have been scrambling to develop or procure batteries that are smaller, reliable and more powerful to run mobile devices with an increasing number of functions. Moreover, the main batteries fueling these gadgets — based on lithium-ion technology — also are being adapted to next-generation, eco-friendly cars.

[ click here to read full story ]

[ return to table of contents ]