In a significant move, Sony, a well-known Japanese electronics brand, has made its foray into the world of automobiles by partnering with Honda to introduce an electric sedan. This collaboration between the two Japanese companies goes beyond a typical partnership, as they have decided to establish a new automotive brand together called “Afeela”. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), an esteemed trade show for new technologies held in Las Vegas, the first prototype of this distinctive vehicle was unveiled. The event, which runs until January 8, showcased the car’s electronic features rather than its performance.
One of the notable features of this vehicle is its array of 45 radars, which enable level 3 autonomous driving on certain roads, as well as passenger identification and video conferencing services. Additionally, the car boasts a total of 8 screens, with two designated for the driver, one in the center, one replacing each side mirror, and one for each rear passenger. The multimedia interface for the vehicle was entrusted to Epic Games, an American video game studio known for its promises of unique features in the metaverse.
While the car may be intriguing, interested buyers will have to wait patiently. According to the brand’s timeline, pre-orders will be available starting in 2025, and the initial deliveries are scheduled for around 2026, initially in the United States and then in Japan. The European market will be considered only from 2027 onwards.
Sony is not the only non-automotive company venturing into the mobility industry. Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Apple have also invested in the promising field of electric transportation. During the CES press conference, Honda’s CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, acknowledged that future innovations and changes in the automotive sector might not necessarily be driven by traditional car manufacturers but by new players from diverse industries and emerging automotive companies.
As more companies with varied backgrounds enter the automotive industry, it is anticipated that the landscape will undergo significant transformations in the coming years. Only time will tell if Afeela will emerge as a serious competitor for Tesla.
Useful Links:
1. Sony Official Website
2. Honda Official Website
