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At CES 2026 pre-show in Las Vegas, Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between Sony and Honda, confirmed that its first sedan, the Afeela 1, will officially begin deliveries in California by the end of this year. They also announced a co-creation program to transform vehicles into digital platforms, attracting more creators and enriching the possibilities of vehicle applications through content services. At the end of the event, they showcased their second SUV model, tentatively named the Afeela Prototype 2026, which is expected to enter the market as early as 2028. The Afeela Prototype 2026: A taller and larger Afeela. This new SUV prototype can essentially be seen as an "enlarged version" of the Afeela 1. It fully inherits the minimalist and understated design style of the Afeela, while retaining the iconic external display screen (Media Bar) at the front for easy interaction. The introduction of this SUV design is clearly to cater to the significant demand in the American market for spacious vehicles. However, this car is still in the prototype stage, and the official statement indicates that it will not be available until 2028 at the earliest, which means that the actual mass production time may be even later. Sony Honda Mobility has not yet released specific details about the Afeela Prototype 2026. For now, it can only be speculated that the interior space will be larger than the Afeela 1, and the overall design will be quite similar. Whether the official name will be Afeela 2 or something else is still unconfirmed. Afeela 1: Deliveries in the US will begin at the end of this year, but only in California. Regarding the long-awaited first sedan, Afeela 1, Sony Honda Mobility USA President and CEO Shugo Yamaguchi confirmed that the model is still planned for official launch this year. He emphasized that the vehicle is produced at the Ohio factory, and the price will remain at $89,900 (approximately NT$2.9 million). The first batch of vehicles is expected to be delivered at the end of 2026, initially to consumers in California who pre-ordered the vehicles. Deliveries to consumers in Arizona are expected to begin in 2027. Other regions have not yet been announced. At present, Afeela...

Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), a joint venture between Sony and Honda, has confirmed that its first electric vehicle, the Afeela, will be the first electric car to feature built-in PS Remote Play functionality. This means that while waiting to charge in the car, or during long journeys, passengers in the front and back seats can simply use the DualSense controllers to connect directly to their home PlayStation consoles via the in-car screen to continue playing games, truly turning the car into a mobile entertainment center. The system requires a stable internet connection, though not a high speed. According to official information, the Afeela's infotainment system will deeply integrate PS Remote Play. Users can directly stream their PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 from home to the large in-car screen. The system supports direct pairing with the DualSense wireless controller, providing a similar feel to playing at home. The official minimum connection requirement is stated as 5Mbps broadband, but for smoother visuals and lower latency, a speed of 15Mbps or higher is recommended. Back at CES 2024, Sony showcased a gimmick by driving the Afeela prototype onto the stage using the DualSense handlebars, hinting at a close connection between the PlayStation ecosystem and the car. Now, with the Afeela 1 expected to begin its first deliveries in 2026, this feature has finally been finalized. Tesla abandoned it, and Sony is picking it up again. The idea of ​​playing games in a car immediately brings Tesla to mind. Tesla's Model S and Model X briefly integrated the Steam platform, allowing owners to utilize the powerful computing capabilities of their onboard computers to run AAA games, but this feature was later removed for various reasons. Meanwhile, NVIDIA announced at CES 2023 that it would bring its GeForce NOW cloud streaming gaming service to more car models. In contrast, Sony adopts a "cloud streaming/remote play" approach. This approach doesn't require the onboard chip to have graphics processing power comparable to a desktop computer, nor does it excessively consume the electric vehicle's battery due to full-speed processing, making it perhaps a more suitable gaming solution for electric vehicles. Analysis: Sony's "soft power" becomes Afeela's moat. The author believes that Sony has finally played this long-awaited "trump card." Regarding the hardware specifications of electric vehicles...

Following Toyota and other automakers' adjustments to their hydrogen fuel cell technology development strategies, General Motors recently announced the termination of its HYDROTEC brand's hydrogen fuel cell research and development. The company will instead focus its R&D resources on battery technology, charging technology, and electric vehicle development. While ending hydrogen fuel cell development, GM will continue its partnership with Honda through its joint venture, Fuel Cell System Manufacturing, to produce fuel cells for data centers and power generation applications. This means that hydrogen fuel cell technology will still be used in the commercial sector, but will no longer be developed for consumer vehicles. GM stated that limited infrastructure and high costs have hindered the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in consumer vehicles, a view shared by many automakers. For example, Toyota also adjusted its hydrogen fuel cell technology development direction in February of this year, shifting its focus from consumer vehicles to industrial applications, while not completely abandoning the technology. The fact that General Motors has followed suit and adjusted its hydrogen fuel cell technology development strategy indicates that most automakers believe hydrogen fuel cells are unlikely to become mainstream in the consumer market. This is especially true compared to the already widespread use of battery-powered electric vehicles, where the infrastructure costs are higher. The production, transportation, and storage costs of hydrogen are also relatively high, hindering the technology's expansion in the consumer market. However, hydrogen fuel cell technology has not reached its end; instead, it is shifting towards more suitable commercial applications, such as power generation, industrial vehicles, or as backup power for data centers. This means that the technology can still be valuable in specific markets. With automakers shifting their focus to battery-powered electric vehicles, competition in the electric vehicle market is expected to intensify, meaning that charging infrastructure, battery range, and charging efficiency will become key development areas in the future.

After previously teasing the upcoming unveiling of its first large electric motorcycle supporting fast charging, Honda officially launched the Honda WN7, an electric street bike using stationary lithium batteries, in Europe. Targeting the mid-to-large street bike market, it directly competes with 600cc internal combustion engine models. Honda confirmed that the new bike will first launch in the European market on November 4th, with a suggested retail price of €15000 (approximately NT$534,000). Honda stated that the name WN7 has a straightforward meaning: "W" symbolizes "Be the Wind," emphasizing the freedom of riding like the wind; "N" represents its "Naked" street bike positioning; and "7" represents the vehicle's power output. The new motorcycle offers two versions: an 18 kWh version (requires an EU A2 driver's license and riders aged 18 and over) and an 11 kWh version (requires only an EU A1 driver's license and riders aged 16 and over). The maximum output power reaches 50 kW, and the torque reaches 100 N·m. The official claim is that it rivals the performance of a traditional 600cc internal combustion engine street bike, while its torque performance is closer to that of a 1000cc model, emphasizing both performance and smooth acceleration. In terms of range, the WN7 achieves up to 130 kilometers under European testing standards and supports CCS2 fast charging, which can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. It also supports household AC charging, completing a full charge in three hours, providing greater flexibility for daily commutes or weekend rides. In terms of features, the WN7 uses a 5-inch TFT full-color instrument panel and supports the Honda RoadSync system, providing navigation, call, and music control, and is compatible with smartphone usage. The WN7 maintains the sleek silhouette of a street bike, weighing 217 kg and featuring a seat height of 800 mm, balancing stability and rider comfort, targeting long-distance riding needs in urban and suburban areas. For Honda, the WN7 is not only a key new addition to its electric two-wheeler series but also a crucial step in the brand's expansion in the European market. As European countries gradually tighten emission regulations, electric motorcycles have become an inevitable direction for automakers, and the WN7, with performance approaching that of traditional gasoline street bikes, coupled with comprehensive charging and smart features, is clearly Honda's starting point for entering the high-performance electric vehicle market. The WN7 will officially launch on November 4th, initially targeting the European market. Honda has not yet revealed whether it will be introduced to Asian markets, including Taiwan, but given its product positioning and electrification trend, its appearance in more regions in the future is almost certain.

Honda recently released a teaser video on its official Instagram account, revealing that it will unveil its first large electric motorcycle with fast charging capabilities on September 16th. The motorcycle is covered in black and white camouflage film in the video, with only its outline vaguely visible. However, foreign media generally believe that its design is derived from the EV Fun Concept, which debuted at the 2024 EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show. Honda previously stated in 2022 that it would launch at least 10 electric motorcycles by 2025, covering commuter, leisure, and high-performance models. This new motorcycle is clearly an important part of fulfilling that promise. The video clip shows the electric motorcycle undergoing street testing in Europe, indicating that its initial market will primarily be Europe and the UK. According to the previously released specifications of the EV Fun Concept, Honda intends for this electric motorcycle to rival the performance of mid-range gasoline motorcycles, balancing power and range. At the time, the company revealed that the vehicle has a range of over 100 kilometers and supports the CCS2 fast charging standard, allowing for rapid charging. For electric motorcycles, range anxiety during long-distance riding has always been a challenge due to limitations in battery size and vehicle structure. Fast charging capability can alleviate this problem, becoming a key factor for Honda's market entry. (View this post on Instagram A post shared by Honda (UK) Motorcycles (@hondaukmotorcycles)) However, the currently released video does not reveal the vehicle's full specifications, including battery capacity, horsepower output, or actual range data. However, considering Honda's electrification strategy, the new electric motorcycle is not only an important product showcasing its technology but may also be a crucial ticket to opening up the high-end electric two-wheeler market. The regional launch strategy is also quite clear. Since the video was uploaded through Honda's official UK account and emphasizes "European street testing," foreign media generally speculate that the motorcycle will be a Europe and UK exclusive product, unlikely to be seen in North America or other Asian markets in the short term. This strategy may be related to local infrastructure (such as CCS2 fast charging networks) and regulatory environment. Electrification has become a global consensus among automakers, and Honda's progress in the motorcycle field is particularly noteworthy. In the past, Honda's electric motorcycles have focused on the light and urban commuter market, such as small electric motorcycles or battery swapping solutions. This foray into large motorcycles not only symbolizes the completion of its product line, but also represents Honda's attempt to compete head-on with Harley-Davidson's LiveWire, Kawasaki and other startup brands.

Following earlier reports that merger negotiations had been suspended due to a failure to reach an agreement, Nissan and Honda have confirmed that they have agreed to terminate the memorandum of understanding signed last December, and also to terminate the original plan to include Mitsubishi Motors in the merger. In a statement, both companies said that their respective CEOs and management teams had discussed their original goals for the merger and the desired corporate structure. While various proposals were put forward, Honda preferred a merger with Honda as the parent company and Nissan as a subsidiary, with Honda holding a majority of board seats and appointing a president and representative director. In the final discussions, both companies decided to cease discussions and deliberations on the merger in order to prioritize decision-making speed and management policy, given the advent of the electric vehicle era and the increasingly rapid changes in the market environment. They will continue to work together under a strategic partnership to promote intelligent and electric vehicle development and maximize corporate value for both parties. In addition to terminating the merger agreement, the two companies also terminated their original plan to include Mitsubishi Motors in the merger. In addition, Nissan announced that it will cut costs by 400 billion yen through various measures and achieve its sales target of 3.5 million vehicles by changing its cost structure. It has also lowered its break-even point for the vehicle business to 2.5 million vehicles. Furthermore, it plans to increase vehicle sales revenue by enhancing product competitiveness and exploring more strategic partnerships. Nissan will also abolish its current senior management system and adopt a new hierarchical structure for executive positions to reduce organizational complexity and improve decision-making speed. This is expected to reduce the number of executive positions by approximately 20% compared to the current system, while also increasing the proportion of younger executives being promoted. The division of labor between global and regional organizations will be made clearer, including centralizing upstream functions at the Japanese headquarters and increasing the authority of downstream functions distributed across regional branches, thereby improving overall business execution efficiency. Nissan will also reassess its market position and determine which market segments to retain, as well as its current market operating strategies. This will be achieved through further development of new products, platforms, and powertrains, while promoting collaborative projects with partners including Honda. It is also considering methods such as spinning off specific businesses, leasing back assets, or merging them. In addition, Nissan emphasized that it will continue to seek strategic cooperation opportunities that can enhance corporate value, and has already taken relevant steps, with more details expected to be announced next month. As for Foxconn, Chairman Liu Yangwei confirmed that it has been in contact with Renault, Nissan's major shareholder, but stressed that acquiring shares from Renault is not the primary objective, but rather to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two companies. Foxconn will not enter the automotive brand market competition as a result.

Following reports that Nissan and Honda failed to reach an agreement on transaction terms, leading to the suspension of merger negotiations, Foxconn, which was previously rumored to be interested in acquiring Nissan, may become Nissan's new partner. Earlier reports indicated that Foxconn intended to acquire the struggling Nissan, but that deal apparently fell through. However, after Nissan and Honda reportedly suspended their cooperation negotiations, with the outcome expected to be announced in mid-February, Nissan seems open to establishing a partnership with Foxconn. This collaboration could address the market trends of electric vehicles and automotive digitalization, while also strengthening its competitiveness against the Chinese automotive industry. Neither Nissan nor Foxconn has commented on this yet. Foxconn has already invested heavily in electric vehicles and is accelerating its development through the MIH electric vehicle open platform. Therefore, Nissan's choice to cooperate with Foxconn is expected to have certain advantages, but the key factor is whether both parties can reach a consensus on the cooperation model.

At the end of last year, it was confirmed that both parties had signed a memorandum of understanding to consider including Mitsubishi Motors in the merger. They also confirmed that a joint holding company would be established based on the agreement between Honda and Nissan to operate their respective businesses. However, it was recently reported that the merger negotiations have been suspended due to a failure to reach an agreement on the terms of the deal. Specifically, Nissan and Honda have a clear difference in their perceptions of each other's status in the newly established joint holding company. Nissan expects to be on a near-equal footing with Honda, while Honda expects Nissan to operate as a subsidiary, leading to a disagreement. Therefore, Nissan has withdrawn the memorandum signed at the end of last year, and it is currently uncertain whether further negotiations with Honda will continue. Previously, it was believed that Nissan was still facing operational difficulties, and that Honda's corporate culture differed significantly from Nissan and Mitsubishi's, which involve strong government ownership and conglomerate involvement, making a successful agreement unlikely. Regarding the merger agreement, Honda had previously demanded that Nissan improve its operational performance by the end of January this year before it would be willing to further discuss the merger, but given Nissan's current situation, this is clearly proving difficult.

The Honda 0 series concept electric vehicle, unveiled at CES 2024 last year, has now entered the prototype design stage at CES 2025. It will be available in sedan and SUV versions, with the latter expected to launch in the North American market in the first half of 2026, becoming the first vehicle to bear the "H" brand. It will utilize Honda's newly developed dedicated electric vehicle platform architecture and the new ASIMO vehicle operating system. The two models will be named the Honda 0 Saloon and the Honda 0 SUV, respectively. The latter is expected to enter the North American market in the first half of 2026, followed by a global launch. Both models will feature Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities and utilize the new ASIMO vehicle operating system to support various autonomous driving applications. The charging standard will be based on the North American Charging Standard (NACS), similar to Tesla's charging design, allowing access to Tesla Superchargers and other compatible charging services. The new "H" brand logo features a simplified, flat design, echoing Honda's 0 series' return to its roots and the idea of ​​building vehicles from scratch. It is expected to be implemented in 2026, launching in global markets including North America, Japan, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America.

At recent CES events, Sony has primarily focused on its AFEELA brand electric vehicles, developed in partnership with Honda's Sony Honda Mobility. However, at its pre-CES 2025 event, Sony confirmed the official name of its first production vehicle as AFEELA 1 and opened pre-orders for $200 starting immediately. Previously, the models were differentiated as Vision-S and Vision-S 02; now they are called AFEELA 1 Origin and AFEELA 1 Signature, with suggested retail prices of $89900 and $109900 respectively. Currently, pre-orders are only open to residents of California, with the first wave of AFEELA 1 Signature deliveries scheduled for mid-2026, and the AFEELA 1 Origin deliveries planned for 2027. In terms of specifications, Sony states that all AFEELA 1 models are equipped with 40 key sensors, achieving a total computing power of 800 TOPS, and can be charged via Tesla's over 2 Supercharger networks. The vehicles feature the AFEELA Intelligent Drive Level 2+ advanced driver assistance system, along with the AFEELA personal assistant service. The interior includes a multimedia extended screen, immersive 3D maps, and a selection of immersive entertainment services. It also features a surround sound system, 5G connectivity, and customizable themes. The difference between the AFEELA 1 Origin and AFEELA 1 Signature lies in the fact that the former has 19-inch alloy wheels and is only available in black for both the exterior and interior, while the latter features 21-inch alloy wheels, a rear-seat entertainment system with two screens, a central dashcam, and a Home Link rearview mirror system. The exterior is available in black, gray, and blue, while the interior offers black, white, and gray options, with the rear entertainment system also available in gray.