Sony Corp. said Aug. 4 it will invest 40 billion yen (US$372 million) to boost production of lithium-ion batteries amid growing demand for their use in mobile phones, cameras and other products.
The company aims to boost its monthly production capacity of lithium-ion batteries to 74 million units in 2010 from the current level of 41 million, investing in existing lines in Japan as well as in Singapore and China.
Lithium-ion batteries are used for a wide range of electronic appliances such as mobile phones, laptop computers, digital cameras and game consoles.
Other electronic manufacturers are also stepping up their focus on the same type of rechargeable batteries, while automakers see them as a potential way to boost the efficiency of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Copyright Agence France-Presse 2008
