Expanding battery production capacity to meet the growing global demand for eco-friendly vehicles
SANYO Electric Co. Ltd. a world leader of rechargeable battery technologies, is pleased to announce the completion of SANYO’s new factory for the lithium-ion batteries for eco-friendly vehicles in its Kasai Plant (Kasai city, Hyogo prefecture, Japan.)
Given the growing public concern for conserving the environment, SANYO is enhancing the development of rechargeable batteries for eco-friendly vehicles, which is expecting increased market demand. SANYO has already been supplying nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to Ford, Honda and Volkswagen, while a co-development of the NiMH batteries with PSA Peugeot Citroën.
In addition, SANYO is co-developing lithium-ion batteries for HEV with the Volkswagen group. SANYO lithium-ion batteries for Plug-in HEV will also be housed in SUZUKI’s fleet vehicles. The completion of the new factory will make it possible for SANYO to further meet demands of the lithium-ion batteries for eco-friendly vehicles from various auto makers. The factory will start with a production capacity of 1 million cells per month, with the aim to expand the production scale depending on demand.
SANYO is focusing on a global expansion of its rechargeable battery business for eco-friendly vehicles with aggressive investments in the business.
■ Outline of the new factory
1. Construction cost: Approximately 13 billion yen (excluding costs for incidental works etc)
2. Construction schedule: Groundbreaking in September 2009, Completion in July 2010
3. Total floor area: 42,831m2 (five-story)
4. Product: Lithium-ion batteries for eco-friendly vehicles
5. Production capacity: 1 million cells per month at the beginning (planned)
■ Outline of current Kasai Plant (as of July 2010)
1. Name: Kasai Plant
2. Address: 194-4 Tokonabe-cho, Kasai-city, Hyogo prefecture, Japan
3. Site area: Approximately 188,000 m2
4. Description of business: Development and production of NiMH battery systems for HEV Development of home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, massage chairs and electric hybrid bicycles etc
Media Enquiries:
Kamil Shah
Corporate Communications (Europe)
SANYO Europe Ltd.
SANYO House
18 Colonial Way
Watford, Herts
WD24 4PT, UK
t: +44 1923 477 294
m: +44 7917 553 586
e: kamil.shah@sanyo.com
