Sony has confirmed at CES 2022 that it will launch a standalone car division called Sony Mobility Inc. The new company will ‘explore entry into the EV market‘.
The firm has also surprised CES show-goers with a second electric car concept, the Vision-S 02 SUV.
This builds on 2020’s headline-grabbing Vision-S concept car, which is now called Vision-S 01.
Sony has already been testing the Vision-S 01 on public roads. The creation of a dedicated car division accelerates its ambition to launch a production-ready range to rival Tesla.
Sony Vision-S 02
The new Vision-S 02 is a seven-seat SUV based on the same EV architecture and Sony cloud platform as the Vision-S 01.
At 4.9 metres long, it is same length as the Vision-S 01, but a little wider and, at 1.65 metres, notably taller.
It uses the same 544hp twin-motor drivetrain, promising a top speed of ‘more than 112mph’.
The big news is inside. Sony says it ‘utilises the larger interior space and variations of a seven-seater’ to offer all-new onboard experiences using the firm’s experience in gaming, audio and entertainment.
It ‘transforms the value of mobility space’ and ‘envelops occupants with a thrilling experience’.
Features include a fully-integrated digital video service called ‘Bravia Core for Vision-S’.
Along with a three-dimensional sound field called ‘360 Reality Audio’, the video service delivers video both on the panoramic front screen and individual rear-seat displays.
Naturally, PlayStation gaming is integrated too, via either a remote connection to a console at home, or streaming games through the cloud.
Sony Mobility Inc.
Sony Mobility Inc. will first focus on the Vision-S cars, which ‘contribute to the evolution of mobility’.
However, the new division won’t just be about cars. It also aims to focus on the best in AI and robotics, ‘realising a world where everyone can live in harmony with robots on a daily basis’.
This suggests the Sony Vision-S cars will be highly autonomous and set high standards for self-driving capability – with plentiful input from the firm’s acclaimed photography and video division.
In doing so, it would allow occupants to make full use of the onboard entertainment facilities.
Sony is already conducting verification tests in Europe towards the release of Level 2+ ADAS systems on public roads. Tech such as 5G communication and advanced ‘Time-of-Flight’ sensors to monitor occupants suggest the firm intends to go even further.
ALSO READ:
Sony reveals Vision-S concept car at CES 2020
