Sony recently announced that it has signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Honda to establish a JV for the purpose of co-developing new EVs. The resultant new vehicle is expected to be on sale in 2025.
Japanese titans Sony and Honda have engaged in a collaborative partnership across different industries to develop EVs. The first product is expected to be available three years from now.
Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida indicates that the company’s goal is to bring its innovation and technologies to every corner of the world. Through the partnership with Honda, Sony will leverage Honda’s vast experiences in the global automotive industry as a foundation and, through Sony’s technologies, make said vehicle safer, more entertaining, and more diverse.
While Honda will be responsible for manufacturing the EV, the (as yet unnamed) JV will be responsible for designing and selling the vehicle, with Sony responsible for mobile services-related platforms.
The goal of this new vehicle is to combine the thrill and maneuverability of Honda vehicles with Sony’s competencies in optical, communication, and entertainment technologies in order to build the most advanced EV.
Without a doubt, this new vehicle will absolutely be highly related to the two concept cars in the Vision-S line showcased by Sony previously. In addition, at CES 2022, Sony also announced the founding of its Sony Mobility subsidiary, responsible for EV-related businesses. In other words, Sony Mobility will be the primary service provider.
Not only does this represent a revolutionary partnership model, but it also brings about a change of times for the EV industry. Conceptually, we can envision this car as Honda hardware combined with Sony software, though technologically things are quite a bit more complex than that. Even so, one looks forward to the unveiling of the new vehicle in 2025.
(Image: Sony)