Sony has taken a smart approach by utilizing its camera sensor technology for use in self-driving vehicles. It has done this by taking small steps into the motoring world in recent years, and now it is turning to an established name to help it acquire solid backing. The company has collaborated with Honda to make electric vehicles. They plan to start sales within 5 years.
Sony started to claim the automotive space back in 2020 when it turned up to CES with a concept car packed with cameras and sensors. This exhibited how the autonomous Vision S concept could find its own way around in the self-driving era. It also revealed a seven-seat SUV version at this year’s edition of the event and announced plans to establish a dedicated mobility arm to explore the idea of entering the electric vehicle market.
Honda and Sony have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a commitment to establish a company specializing in “high value-added battery electric vehicles” and mobility services.
Their goal is to set up their joint company this year and combine their expertise to enter the era of modern transport. For Sony’s part, that means deploying its know-how in imaging, sensing, network, and entertainment technologies, while Honda will handle the vehicle manufacturing and development of mobility services. First sales are scheduled for 2025.
“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 centered around safety, entertainment, and adaptability,” said Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida.