INTERVIEW-Sanyo in talks to supply EV, motorcycle batteries

OSAKA JAPAN Dec 24 (Reuters) - Japan's Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 6764.T said it is in talks with two major automakers to supply electric car-use lithium-ion batteries, as it moves to secure growth beyond the era of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.

Sanyo, the world's largest rechargeable battery maker, is also talking with Japanese and European motorcycle producers about supplying lithium-ion batteries, Sanyo Executive Vice President Mitsuru Homma told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

Homma said he hopes to supply hybrid- and electric car-use batteries to Suzuki Motor Corp (7269.T) following the announcement earlier this month of a comprehensive tie-up that will see Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) take 19.9 percent of Suzuki.

Sanyo maintains close ties with Europe's top automakers through the joint development of auto-use nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion batteries.

(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Joseph Radford)

((kiyoshi.takenaka@thomsonreuters.com; +81 3 6441 1810; Reuters Messaging: kiyoshi.takenaka.reuters.com@reuters.net))

((If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com)) Keywords: SANYO/BATTERY

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