Sony and Honda plan rapid development for electric car

The Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda and the electronics giant Sony have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop an electric vehicle. Within just four years, they aim to develop and market an electric vehicle together. Honda will be responsible for production and sales. Sony intends to contribute the mobility platform and its expertise in imaging, network, sensors, communication, and infotainment. A stock market listing for the company has not been ruled out. It was not further disclosed how the already developed prototype models Sony Vision-01 and the SUV Vision-02, which was recently showcased at CES, will proceed.

"Through this alliance, we want to build on our vision of turning the mobility space into an emotional space and contribute to the evolution of mobility, centered on safety, entertainment, and adaptability," promotes Kenichiro Yoshida, Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Chairman, President, and CEO, Sony Group Corporation.

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe aims to "be at the forefront of innovation, evolution, and expansion of mobility worldwide" with the new company, which is set to be established in 2022. The goal is to harness Honda's cutting-edge technology and expertise in environmental and safety matters while aligning the technological resources of both companies.

"Although Sony and Honda are companies that share many historical and cultural similarities, our technological specialties are very different. Therefore, I believe this alliance, which brings together the strengths of our two companies, offers great opportunities for the future of mobility," says Mibe.