The Japanese tech giant Sony has announced it plans to make cars.

With the EV market growing exponentially, the electronic experts believe the time is right to explore transport. It made the announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

With the growth of 5G technology, the company believes it is “well positioned” to enter and become leaders in the new era of transport.

“With our imaging and sensing, cloud, 5G and entertainment technologies combined with our contents mastery, we believe Sony is well positioned as a creative entertainment company to redefine mobility.” Sony chairman and president Kenichiro Yoshida is confident of success in the inevitable EV autonomous future.

Switching on

Sony announced Vision-S at CES 22. It exhibited its prototype vehicle.

This follows on from initial announcements at the 2020 show and has been carrying out public road testing in Europe. Ongoing verification tests have been taking place assessing the safety and user experience of the imaging and sensing technology.

At this year’s show, Sony has been exhibiting an SUV-type prototype vehicle – Vision-S 02.

Yoshida says that Sony sees mobility as an “entertainment space” where passengers could choose individual entertainment options. This utilises the power of 5G internet connection.

Tuning in

Bakar Sadik Agwan, is the senior automotive consulting analyst at GlobalData. He describes Sony as quietly strengthening its position in the automotive sector over the past decade. “The company’s capabilities now include image sensors, AI, cloud, 5G and autonomous technology”.

“Top-notch technological features in its first concept resulted in positive market sentiments,” says Agwan.

“Sony’s mobility vision aims at developing technologies centred on safety and security, adaptability, and entertainment.” It is the “unique entertainment experience” that Sony believes will make it standout from the growing plethora of EV manufacturers.

“However, it will be worthy to wait and see if the entertainment/infotainment features could create a difference for Sony in the EV market.

Sony face fierce competition from global automakers including Tesla, Toyota, Ford, Hyundai and GM, which are much ahead in the race.”

‘Sony Mobility Inc.’ will be launching in the spring of 2022.