In Sony’s keynote presentation at the CES 2022, the company got the most attention for rolling out the Vision-S EV prototype- which was shown last year. It also presented a brand new and the company’s second electric car concept, Vision-S 02 EV- a new concept SUV.
However, the most significant announcement which came as a surprise for the tech industry was the launch of Sony Mobility. It is a new company from Sony that is being started to focus on producing electric cars.
While the tech industry focused on whether or not Apple will launch any vehicles, Sony, the electronics giant, made several concept films showcasing the two Vision-S prototype EVs. The company also provided hints on the user interface and the possibility of remote driving through a 5G connection. The concept showed linking Tokyo and Germany in real-time.
“We are exploring a commercial launch of Sony’s EV, and exploring how a ‘creative entertainment company’ could ‘redefine mobility’,” Kenichiro Yoshida, Chairman, President, and CEO, Sony said.
Taking a step further, Sony is also establishing an operating company, “Sony Mobility Inc.” in Spring this year. The company wishes to explore and expand its entry into the EV market through this venture.
Sony posted several of the demo videos featuring its SUV prototypes on YouTube. Some of these hint at the picture-perfect lifestyle the cars would bring.
The Vision-S 02 is a remodeled version of the first SUV and uses the same EV/cloud platform. Vision-S, the first SUV, is being tested on public roads. New SUV also offers an entertainment experience and utilizes the ample interior space and variations of a seven-seater.
The concept also comes with high-sensitivity; high-resolution, wide dynamic range CMOS image sensors and LiDAR sensors installed 360 degrees around it. These sensors accurately sense the three-dimensional space and provide intuitive driver interaction with the system.
Sony aims to make the best use of AI and robotics technology to help realize a world where people and robots can live in harmony daily. It is currently conducting functional verification tests in Europe towards the release of Level 2+ advanced driver assistance systems.
Sony’s SUV launch sent its stock soaring in the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with the company’s stock going up by 550 points (+3.67%).
