Collaboration between automotive manufacturers and electronics companies is becoming more and more mainstream nowadays. The goal is to develop a line of electric vehicles and mobility services. As announced earlier, Honda will join forces with Sony to form a joint venture.
The two well-known Japanese companies said they would move to form a new company together. The new company is planned to be formed this year, to develop and produce electric-powered vehicles.
At the earliest, an electric car as a result of the collaboration between Honda and Sony will begin to be marketed in 2025. And for this operation, the new company will work as a whole. Starting from planning, designing, developing, and selling electric cars will be done alone. However, the unnamed company will not operate the production facility.
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There will be a division of tasks for each manufacturer later. Honda will produce its first electric car in the factory they already have. Meanwhile, Sony will develop a new platform that is used for mobility services.
“The new company will aim to stand at the forefront of innovation, evolution and expansion of mobility worldwide by taking a broad and ambitious approach to creating value that exceeds consumer expectations and imaginations,” said Honda President Toshihiro Mibe.
“We will also do so by leveraging Honda's cutting-edge technology and know-how in terms of environment and safety while aligning the technology assets of the two companies,” he added.
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Furthermore, Mibe said that both Honda and Sony have a history and expertise in their respective fields. He believes that this alliance alias collaboration will bring with him the strengths of both companies, and offer great opportunities for the future of mobility.
Sony itself earlier this year announced its plans to enliven the electric car market. This agenda was demonstrated by establishing a new operational company called Sony Mobility Inc. which will be established in the middle of the year. Even two years ago, Sony had already introduced its electric car concept called Vision-S.
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The Vision-S prototype has undergone a series of road tests since its introduction. This sedan-shaped EV was developed to highlight the manufacturer's autonomous driving and entertainment system which is now popular through the Play Station. But so far it has not been revealed whether the Vision-S will be produced with this alliance with Honda.
“Through this alliance with Honda, which will accumulate extensive global experience and achievements in the automotive industry over many years and continue to make revolutionary progress in this area, we intend to build on our vision of making an emotional mobility space and contributing to the evolution of a more sustainable mobility. centered on safety, entertainment and adaptability,” said Kenichiro Yoshida, CEO of Sony.
