Sony Corp., which has built its fame through a global brand presence and innovative products, appears to be facing a difficult time. The Sony group's operating profit in the six-month period through September nosedived by 90.9 percent from a year before to 6.22 billion yen, although sales were up 9.7 percent to 3.6 trillion yen.
Behind this are the massive global recalls of its defective lithium-ion battery packs for laptop computers; a delay in launching the PlayStation 3 (a next-generation video-game console) due to problems with mass-production of the machine's Blu-ray disc drive; and a price cut on the PS3 in Japan to compete with Nintendo Co., its rival in the video-game machine business.
The battery recalls and the delay in the production of the Blu-ray disc drive could pique concern about Sony's in-house ability to develop mainstay, state-of-the-art technology. It is hoped that the company will mobilize its experience, wisdom and knowledge to overcome its technology-related problems and develop new hit products that will enchant consumers.