Honda and Sony to create joint EV brand, first model on sale in 2025

Japanese icons Honda and Sony have announced plans to sell and develop 'high value-added' electric vehicles under a newly-formed joint venture.

In a news conference earlier today, the two companies said – pending final approval – an as-yet-unnamed vehicle marque would be created by the end of 2022, before the first EV goes on sale in 2025.

Honda will be responsible for manufacturing the new model, while Sony will supply a ‘mobility service platform’, likely for areas such as autonomous driving sensors, infotainment, telecommunications, and other aspects the technology company is known for.

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Above: Sony Vision-S 01 concept

The new company will lead the design, development and sales of the upcoming electric vehicles.

Honda Motor Corporation CEO Toshihiro Mibe said 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.”

“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,” he added.

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Above: Sony Vision-S 01 concept

Sony’s ambitions to enter the automotive field were first showcased at CES 2020 when it shocked the world with the electric Vision-S 01 concept sedan. At CES 2022, the company followed up with the Vision-S 02 concept SUV and a new sub-brand: Sony Mobility.

The official mission of the mobility company is to 'help realise a world where everyone can live in harmony with robots on a daily basis, fill people with emotion, and contribute to society', with passenger vehicles largely off the table just two months ago.

“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… [Sony will] contribute to the evolution of mobility centered around safety, entertainment and adaptability,” said Kenichiro Yoshida, president and CEO of Sony Corporation.