Sony 1998 Annual Report Download - page 18

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[16] Sony Corporation Annual Report 1998
« Audio »
MiniDisc (MD) Systems
Sony first introduced MD systems in 1992. Since then, compact size, superb sound quality, and
digital recording and editing capabilities have fueled solid growth in demand for these systems,
primarily in Japan and Europe. During the year, Sony enlarged its entire MD product lineup includ-
ing MD Walkman models, MD personal component stereo systems, MD decks, and car MD players.
These actions reinforced Sony’s position at the forefront of the industry.
[ Electronics ]
During the year under review, sales to customers in the Electronics business accounted for approximately 65% of Sony’s
consolidated sales. Sony conducts a broad range of businesses within this sector, dividing activities into five categories:
Audio, Video, Televisions, Information and communications, and Electronic components and other. In terms of Sony’s
organization, the Electronics business is divided into ten internal companies. All companies, under the direction of their
respective presidents listed below, are working to further improve their ability to respond quickly to changes in custom-
ers’ needs and market trends.
Sony is aggressively expanding its operations outside Japan, developing and manufacturing products and providing cus-
tomer services in the markets where its products are sold. During the year, Sony further strengthened its manufacturing
operations, particularly in North America and Eastern Europe. Additionally, Sony established Sony Marketing (Japan), Inc.
in April 1997 to manage sales and marketing activities in Japan for electronics products.
Suehiro Nakamura
Semiconductor Company
Masayuki Takano
Display Company
Shizuo Takashino
Personal A&V Products
Company
Akiyoshi Kawashima
Recording Media &
Energy Company
Kunitake Ando
Information Technology
Company
Sunobu Horigome
Digital Network Solutions
Company
Yoshihide Nakamura
Computer Peripherals &
Components Company
Mitsuru Ohki
Broadcasting & Profes-
sional Systems Company
Yutaka Nakagawa
Personal & Mobile
Communication Company
Katsumi Ihara
Home A&V Products
Company
Junichi Kodera
President and
Representative Director
Sony Marketing
(Japan), Inc.
Teruaki Aoki
President and Chief
Operating Officer
Sony Electronics Inc.
Jakob J. Schmuckli
President and Director
Sony Europe GmbH
(As of May 7, 1998)
Review of Operations