Sony, Honda join forces to make electric vehicles

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) – Japanese giants Sony and Honda announced Friday they have joined forces to make electric vehicles (EVs).

The companies signed a memorandum of understanding to explore new technology in mobility, according to a joint statement.

The firms agreed to establish a joint venture company this year, through which they plan to sell “high value-added battery EVs and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services.”

Honda will provide mobility development capabilities, vehicle body manufacturing and after-sales services, coupled with Sony’s expertise in imaging, sensing, telecommunication, network, and entertainment technologies, the statement said.

Sales of their first EV model are expected to start in 2025, it added.

“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 Sony President and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida.

Toshihiro Mibe, president and CEO of Honda, said the firms “will aim to stand at the forefront of innovation, evolution, and expansion of mobility around the world,” adding that they hope to exceed “the expectations and imagination of customers.”

With crude oil prices recently rising to record levels, automakers have ramped up efforts to manufacture EVs.

However, the global auto industry continues to be hampered by semiconductor shortages and a major chip crisis persisting since the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.​​​​​​​