Sony and Honda are teaming up to create a new firm that will build and market electric automobiles. Although the partnership has not yet been completed, the two firms have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining their intentions. The new firm, which has yet to be named, is anticipated to be created this year, with sales of the first electric vehicle due in 2025.
The initial model will be built by Honda, with the new business handling design, development, and sales, and Sony developing a mobility service platform. The collaboration aims to bring together Honda's skills in automotive design and marketing with Sony's strengths in image sensors, telecommunications, and entertainment. Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said in a statement that the company's mission is to "fill the world with emotion through the force of creativity and technology."
"We intend to build on our vision to'make the mobility space an emotional one,' and contribute to the evolution of mobility centered on safety, entertainment, and adaptability,' through this alliance with Honda, which has accumulated extensive global experience and achievements in the automobile industry over many years and continues to make revolutionary advancements in this field."
"By taking a wide and ambitious approach to producing value that exceeds the expectations and imagination of consumers, the New Company will aspire to be at the forefront of innovation, development, and growth of mobility throughout the world," says Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe. "We'll do so by combining our technological assets and using Honda's cutting-edge technology and know-how in the areas of the environment and safety."
Sony has been indicating its desire to penetrate the car business for some time, but this is its first tangible move into the commercial sector. Sony debuted the Vision-S, an electric concept automobile, at CES 2020, and the Vision-S 02. During CES 2022, Sony debuted the Vision-S 02.