In a truly unexpected way two Japanese giants, Sony and Honda will be working together to build an all-new electric car, set for 2025. While details are thin as the venture is yet to be finalised, both parties have already signed a memorandum of understanding, confirming their intent. 

Sony has been trying to get into the EV game for a while now, showcasing the Vision-S concept back in 2020, and then following it up with the Vision-S 02 this year. However, questions were asked on how exactly Sony will tackle the mammoth task of design, production and sales of an automotive company. 

Enters Honda, with its decades-long experience of doing the same. As we mentioned earlier, while the details are yet to be sorted out, it is understood that Honda will be handling the vehicle’s design, development and sales. While Sony will set to work on a mobility platform, making use of its image sensors, telecommunications, and entertainment capabilities. A big endeavour of its own, no doubt. 

Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida says in a statement, “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 centred around safety, entertainment and adaptability.”

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe further added. “We will leverage 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.”

When asked by Reuters, if the partnership will remain exclusive, Mibe confirmed that they are open to bringing other companies into the fray, saying “In the future, we would like to expand our business with an open mindset.” 

Honda has been under pressure for a while to embrace electric mobility. The Japanese brand has said that it plans to phase-put its gasoline-powered offerings by 2040. This would be a potential win-win for all parties involved.  

For now, just like its joint venture, the upcoming EV remains unnamed and void of any further details. However, looking at the track records of both companies, the expectations are running high.