After Apple and Xiaomi, Sony is now also showing interest in the electric car business. In three years, the Japanese electronics group wants to bring out a joint vehicle with Honda.
The Japanese electronics giant Sony is actually best known for its smartphones, TV sets and the PlayStation games console. But now the group would like to discover a new business field for itself and is entering into a cooperation with Honda for its car plans. The companies want to jointly develop electric cars and set up a mobility service. The first electric car from the cooperation should come onto the market in 2025, as Sony and Honda have now announced.
Sony should develop the platform, Honda should build the car
Two months ago, Sony presented the second prototype of its own electric car and founded a subsidiary to test production. At first there was no information about what the cooperation with Honda meant for the prototype project. Among others, the contract manufacturer Magna was involved there.
In the plans with Honda, however, the roles are now clearly divided. The carmaker is to build the first model in its factories. Sony, on the other hand, will develop the mobility platform and contribute expertise in sensors, network systems and entertainment technology.
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Sony’s first electric car planned for 2025
The first model is expected to hit the market in 2025. “With the joint venture, we want to lead the evolution in mobility by combining our technology and experience with Honda’s long experience in designing and building cars,” said Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida.
Honda boss Toshihiro Mibe did not rule out an IPO for the joint venture, even if that is not currently on the agenda. At the same time, he was open to other partners. Honda will continue to pursue its own electric car strategy, he stressed. With the move, Sony is pushing ahead with its ambitions to be a major player in the auto market, while automakers like Honda are under pressure to develop zero-emission electric cars.
With material from the dpa.