Sony Group and Honda Motor are exploring new business opportunities through their joint venture Sony Honda Mobility after cancelling development of their first planned electric vehicle, according to a Nikkei Asia report.
The companies recently halted work on the Afeela 1 EV, following changes to Honda’s broader electrification strategy. Honda had been responsible for manufacturing the vehicle.
Set up in 2022 as an equal joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility is now reassessing its long-term strategy and operating model, including the future structure of its workforce of around 400 employees.
Despite the cancellation of the initial EV programme, the companies are still evaluating alternative products and services beyond electric vehicles, including technologies developed for Afeela 1 such as an AI assistant and in-car entertainment features.
The original Afeela model was planned to include around 40 sensors for environmental detection and was expected to support integration with Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem. It had been scheduled for launch in North America in 2026, followed by Japan in 2027.
While the first vehicle project has been shelved, Sony is expected to continue using the venture to expand its entertainment and software presence in mobility, while Honda may integrate some of the developed technologies into its broader vehicle lineup.
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