Sony's car is actually well known at CES two years ago. However, the time that followed did not produce substantive results. It was not until the beginning of this year at 2022CES that a new energy vehicle, Vision-S 02, was brought back to our vision.
But I didn't expect that in just two months, Sony and Honda actually came together. On March 4, the two companies signed a basic agreement on strategic cooperation in the mobile field to jointly develop and sell pure electric vehicles through a joint venture, with Sony mainly responsible for developing automotive software and in-car entertainment systems, as well as providing a mobility service platform, while Honda is responsible for production and sales.
For this news, the Japanese media commented: "This kind of cooperation in a completely different field is very rare in Japan." So, what makes two companies look at each other?
Each has its own difficulties
Although Sony is eager to make a difference in the field of car building, it seems to be struggling due to lack of experience and other reasons. Whether it's the first model two years ago or a recent concept car, it's still far from the mass production standard. Moreover, there are also suspicions of plagiarism of the exterior and interior on the Internet.
Having said that, as the world's largest electronics manufacturer, the world's six largest film companies, the world's three major video game industry and the world's largest CMOS (image sensor) supplier with a 70% market share, Sony's advantages in the sensors, communications and entertainment systems required for pure electric vehicles are quite obvious.
This has also become an important reason for Honda to choose Sony. In contrast, Honda's electrification process is described as slow, and it is no exaggeration to say, even walking behind many traditional car companies. Up to now, the domestic market has still not been able to see the figure of Honda's pure electric model.
At the same time, Honda's car engine system and degree of intelligence do not dare to be flattered, and the level is still stuck in the era of fuel vehicle domination.
Therefore, the cooperation between Honda and Sony is not only a strong combination, but also a poor group.
Working together to build cars doesn't stop there
The first electric car of the cooperation is expected to start selling in 2025, but it is clear that this is not the only path for the two companies to develop in the new era.
Although this cooperation model is less common in Japan, it has been clearly played by companies in China. For example, the previous rumors of "Huawei made cars", now Huawei stores do sell cars, and there is more than one brand, but these cars are not called Huawei.
Therefore, Huawei's goal is not to build cars at all, but to create a bigger cake behind it, that is, the smart car ecology. Sony will probably go down a similar path, whether it is working with Honda or debuting its own concept car, it is an opportunity to show the technology to the outside world, so as to provide intelligent technical support for other car companies later.
Honda, on the other hand, will continue to develop its own electric vehicle opportunities, partnering with General Motors to share GM's electric vehicle platform in North America. After all, in the face of new forces and traditional car companies, it is not enough to rely on the strength of one person.
Will there be any surprises with the new car we are working with?
As we all know, the hottest game console at present is the PS5, and this is from Sony. If you can realize the game console in the car and realize the cloud synchronization, it is bound to circle many game enthusiasts. Sony may even be able to design an exclusive game in the car based on the scene in the car.
Of course, this is just the speculation of the jianghu jun, and the specific answer may not be known until 2025. So, what do you hope this new car will do? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area, and discuss with everyone.