Sony and Honda’s three way partnership introduced their Afeela model identify at CES 2023 and unveiled a prototype of their first manufacturing mannequin, however their plans transcend promoting a single car mannequin.
After the sedan begins deliveries in spring 2026, Sony Honda Mobility could observe up with an SUV, a second sedan and even an MPV, in response to the model’s CEO. Yasuhide Mizuno, chairman and CEO of Sony Honda Mobility, mentioned at CES final week the corporate is already contemplating a wider lineup for the Afeela EV model.
“We’re desirous about the second and third fashions. We want a line-up. Not solely one unit, end,” the chief was quoted as saying by Autocar. Mizuno added that Afeela fashions might be offered in america, Japan and Europe.
Whereas Sony has beforehand proven ideas of a sedan and an SUV at earlier CES occasions – the Imaginative and prescient-S 01 and Imaginative and prescient-S 02 – an MPV might additionally make sense if Afeela manages to roll out widespread hands-free driving, Mizuno additionally mentioned.
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“An SUV is the standard [next step], however possibly [an] MPV. It is determined by autonomous driving growth. If we attain degree three, degree 4, then maybe everyone wants a ‘get together automotive’.”
The chief mentioned the follow-up fashions might want to launch pretty rapidly after the primary sedan, which can rival the Tesla Mannequin 3, BMW i4 or Mercedes-Benz EQE. “If we go for 5 years with only one mannequin, everybody will neglect Sony Honda Mobility. ‘Sony Honda Mobility? Very unhappy story,’ they may say,” Mizuno mentioned jokingly.
He famous that Afeela will use Honda’s upcoming e:Structure electrical platform, which is scheduled to launch across the similar time because the Afeela sedan in 2025-2026. Honda will care for points like battery sourcing as properly ultimate specs together with vary, charging and energy.
Sony Honda Mobility’s first product below the Afeela EV model might be made in america at an undisclosed Honda facility and can launch there first. Japan will observe in the identical 12 months, whereas European gross sales are anticipated to start out in late 2026 or early 2027.
Mizuno additionally mentioned the Afeela might be a “high-value” automotive fairly than premium, and it’ll goal wealthier consumers. He did not present a value goal, although.