Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Co. announced a memorandum of understanding with the intent to establish a joint venture through which they plan develop and sell battery electric vehicles (EVs) and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services.
This alliance aims to bring together Honda’s mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing technology and after-sales service management experience with Sony’s expertise in the development and application of imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network, and entertainment technologies.
Sales of the first EV model from the New Company are expected to start in 2025. This new company is expected to plan, design, develop, and sell the EVs, but not own and operate manufacturing facilities, so Honda is expected to be responsible for manufacturing the first EV model at its vehicle manufacturing plant. It is expected that a mobility service platform will be developed by Sony.
“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, we intend to build on our vision to ‘make the mobility space an emotional one,’ and contribute to the evolution of mobility centered around safety, entertainment and adaptability,” said Kenichiro Yoshida, representative corporate executive officer, chairman, president and CEO, Sony Group Corporation.
“The new company will aim to stand at the forefront of innovation, evolution, and expansion of mobility around the world, by taking a broad and ambitious approach to creating value that exceeds the expectations and imagination of customers,” said Toshihiro Mibe, director, president, representative executive officer and CEO, Honda Motor Co. “We will do so by leveraging Honda’s cutting-edge technology and know-how in relation to the environment and safety, while aligning the technological assets of both companies. Although Sony and Honda are companies that share many historical and cultural similarities, our areas of technological expertise are very different. Therefore, I believe this alliance which brings together the strengths of our two companies offers great possibilities for the future of mobility.”