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Sanyo recently began lithium-ion battery development for German automaker Volkswagen and the Japanese firm currently supplies nickel-metal hydride batteries to Honda and Ford for certain vehicles sold in North American.

However some analysts point out that Sanyo will have to team up with a wide range of Japanese and foreign automakers to achieve its target of raising its share of the global lithium-ion battery market to at least 40 per cent by 2015.

The news comes in contrast to the situation at company's white goods business, which is in a severe situation, but, says company representatives, the division will become profitable "if the necessary steps in selection and concentration are taken and its product planning capability is enhanced".