Sony Device Group Reorgs into Three Divisions

Nikkei reports that Sony announces a structural reform and personnel changes that will take effect on Jan 1, 2015 (probably a typo, should be 2016). Sony Device Solution Business Group will be split in 3 organizations: "Automotive Division," "Module Division" and "Product Development Division."

Nikkei sees several reasons for the re-org:

• The reorg will strengthen Sony image sensor business.
• Sony can better address the fast growing automotive image sensor market where On Semi currently has the largest share.
• By offering modules rather than image sensors, it becomes possible to better support customers that do not have capabilities to use tune and adapt image quality.

The other reasons for shifting focus from image sensors to camera modules might be an attempt to replicate Sharp camera module success, and an intention to capture a larger chunk of the imaging foodchain.