Sony refocuses on electronics
The company pledged a turn-around by the second half of fiscal 2006 of its underperforming but once leading TV business, and to introduce new, slimmer models using plasma displays. It acknowledged that any revival would be very difficult without a recovery in its TV manufacturing operations.
A new management team has already completed an action plan that includes forming third-party alliances or shrinking operations. The Qualia product series and Sony's robot businesses are likely on the company's liquidation list. "We'll continue the Qualia business but with no new development. The R&D activity of robots will be reduced," said Chubachi.
Meanwhile, the number of product models produced by surviving Sony units will be cut by 20 percent. A total of 65 manufacturing sites will be merged or closed.
As a part of growth strategy, Sony plans to invest about ¥340 billion in semiconductors and products such as the Blu-ray HD DVD devices over the next two years. "Game-related investment has been wrapped up and we hope the game business will recoup the investment," said Chubachi
Sony has established two development units reporting directly to the electronics CEO. One is the Display Device Development Group that will develop organic light-emitting diode displays for Sony's next-generation display.
The other is the Cell Development Center. Masa Chatani, CTO of Sony Computer Entertainment, was appointed to oversee development of Cell-based products and applications.
RSS
RSS| 
Digital| 
Mobile
