Sanyo Electric Co Ltd, Japan"s third-largest consumer electronics maker, said on Tuesday it will set up a venture with Eastman Kodak Co to get a head start over rivals in making ultra-thin next-generation display screens.
The venture, in which they will invest a combined 50 billion yen ($403 million), would expand cooperation between the two in organic electroluminescent (OEL) display technology.
Japanese electronics makers hope to use the power-efficient next-generation screens in cell phones, digital cameras and other hand-held gadgets with size and battery-power constraints.
Volume output would begin in February 2002, launching the first salvo in a battle for the fledgling but potentially fast-growing market for active-matrix OEL screens, which Sanyo and Kodak hope will generate 70 billion yen in sales for the venture in 2005.
Sanyo said at a news conference it would invest 33 billion yen and take a 66 percent in the venture while Kodak would hold the remaining stake and invest 17 billion yen.
A slew of other Japanese high-tech manufacturers plans to pile into the market over the next year or so.