Honda and Sony form electric car alliance

Ever since Sony unveiled its surprisingly production-ready-looking Vision-S 01 and Vision-S 02 concepts, pundits have wondered what the brand’s next step would be, and whether the two models would ever make it to production.

Today we’re much closer to having an answer. Sony and Honda have announced the formation of a new alliance between the two Japanese brands that will see them develop, produce, and sell electric vehicles together.

The duo will do this via a new company (referred to throughout their press release as ‘New Company’). The company will be established this year, with its first car set to debut in 2025.

A joint statement issued by the companies states that the New Company will merge “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”. 

“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,” says Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe.

“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.”

“Sony’s Purpose is to ‘fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology’,” adds Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida.

“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.”

Sony wasn’t alone in its search for an electric vehicle dancing partner. It’s well documented that Honda has also been searching for brands to unite with for electric vehicle development.

The brand, which currently produces just the one BEV (the Honda e), is currently developing an electric SUV built on the General Motors ‘Ultium’ architecture. An Acura-badged sister SUV is also in development.