Japanese giants Sony and Honda create strategic EV partnership

Sony and Honda have agreed to establish a joint venture to develop and commercialize high value-added battery electric vehicles (EVs) and mobility services.

The aim is to realize and align a new generation of mobility and services with users and the environment.

Kenichiro Yoshida, Sony’s Representative Corporate Executive Officer, Chairman, President and CEO, comments: “Through this alliance (…) we intend to build on our vision to ‘make the mobility space an emotional one,’ and contribute to the evolution of mobility centred around safety, entertainment and adaptability.”

Sales of the first EV models are expected to start in 2025 and responsibility will go three ways.

The joint venture and new company will plan, design, develop, and sell the EVs. Honda will manufacture the first model at its own plant. A mobility service platform is expected to be developed by Sony and made available for the new company.

Have you read?
Defining the role of businesses in getting EVs on the roads
Spending on home EV charging to exceed $16bn by 2026

Honda’s mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing technology and after-sales service management experience will be combined with Sony’s expertise in imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network, and entertainment technologies.

Toshihiro Mibe, Honda Director, President, Representative Executive Officer and CEO, comments on their aim to create new value by, “leveraging Honda’s cutting-edge technology and know-how (…) while aligning the technological assets of both companies.”

The announcement comes as numerous companies rush for a stake within the EV industry. Sony has previously made several attempts at breaking ground in EV and the new move is expected to impress.