AFEELA expresses an interactive relationship where people "FEEL" mobility as an intelligent entity, and mobility "FEELs" people and society using sensing and network IT technologies.
There is still much to be revealed about the Afeela brand, however, Sony Honda Mobility CEO Yasuhide Mizuno stated that the vehicle will utilize Sony's expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), entertainment, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) to offer a one-of-a-kind EV experience.
Mizuno said, "Afeela represents our concept of an interactive relationship where people feel the sensation of interactive mobility and where mobility can detect and understand people and society by utilizing sensing and AI technologies."
The Afeela will feature over 40 sensors, such as cameras, radar, ultrasonic, and lidar, on the exterior of the vehicle, which will improve its ability to detect objects and enable autonomous driving. According to Mizuno, the Afeela will aim to embody three main themes: autonomy, augmentation, and affinity.
The prototype presented on stage was not similar to the concept version that Sony revealed at CES three years ago. Instead, it was a sedan with a light bar on the front, a sealed off grille, and a high-gloss black roof. The exterior also had black hubcaps and a light accent above the wheel wells.
The new EV will be priced to compete with other luxury car brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and Audi. Sony has indicated that it plans to offer subscription services through its software, which means that vehicle owners may have to pay a monthly fee to access certain features.
The Sony-Honda vehicles will be produced at one of Honda's 12 facilities in the US, although no information has been disclosed regarding the planned volume. The EV will be initially released in the US in 2026, followed by Japan and Europe at a later date. It is reported that preorders will be accepted in 2025.
Source: SHM