Interviews: Judgment of EVs can be inserted with a sense of speed, expanding partner = Sony G Managing Director

[Tokyo 21st Reuters] - Mr. Kawa Nishi, Managing Director of AI Robotics Business, who manages the electric vehicle (EV) business at the Sony Group, "We will respond to expectations for the EV market in response to Reuters on the 21st.I want to respond with a sense of speed. "At the same time, he said he would expand his partner companies in the future.

The company announced on February 5 this month that a new company will be established this spring at CES at Technology Create City this spring."I can't say the specific time (to make a judgment), but the speed is important," said Kawanishi.

The EVs are also developing the U.S. Apple, and the entry from different industries is in full swing as automobiles and digitalization are progressing.

Japanese companies are the business partners

The business partner of the sports multipurpose vehicle (SUV) -type prototype "VISION S02" published at CES includes Robert Bosch, Continental, Volkswagen, a major in the Umbrella, a US semiconductor giant, and the US semiconductor giant Nbidia, and Clearcom.More than 10 companies.

Managing Director Kawanishi clarifies that it contains a Japanese company in this, and says, "We will continue to (relationships) with our partners who have been dating so far, and some newly necessary partners will come out.I want to think about it. "

The current collaboration is Japan -US and European companies.During the manufacturing industry, the political conflict between the United States and China has affected parts procurement, but the managing director is "thinking with the same stance as other products.No. There is a first decision to match the products developed as (provided). "

If the seller spreads to the world, the role of partners will increase.Regarding the possibility of recruiting partner companies by region, he said, "There may be, and there is a possibility that we may collaborate with some determined partners."

Utilizes IT technology such as hard -friendly and electronic control in EV manufacturing

The EV business that Sony aims for is how to evolve in the moving space.The person who rides due to the progress of autonomous driving technology will gradually be released from the driving, and provides content such as movies and games in a car connected to the high -speed net at all times.I want to pursue one theme. "

Kawanishi says that there is a great advantage in manufacturing the EV itself."Sony's sensor technology can contribute to the improvement of safety that is indispensable for autonomous driving. To do so, you must be familiar with the mechanism of cars.I explained.

At the same time, the increase in parts that can be electronically controlled by EV is also a tailwind."There is a limit to the mechanical engine and transmission so far, but when it comes to EVs, electronic control by software increases. Sony's IT technology can be used there."The idea is to demonstrate the unique strengths of IT companies.

EV business, judged to be worth trying

What kind of users will buy Sony's EVs, which may set it apart from conventional cars?Managing Director says, "I would like to think about productivity, assuming a user base that can be interested in IT technology and entertainment, for example, in addition to the so -called car lovers."

Because cars are directly involved in human life, "ensuring safety and security is a major premise. Of course, it cannot be yielded."However, EVization is a major trend in the world, and it is said that it is worth the challenge when comparing the risks of doing (entering) and the risk of not doing it. "