Sony-Honda EV venture faces lawsuit over direct sales to consumers in California.

Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between Sony and Honda, is being sued by a California trade group for selling electric vehicles directly to consumers, allegedly violating state law. The group represents auto dealerships, which typically sell cars through authorized dealerships. The lawsuit comes as the company prepares to begin delivery of its Afeela 1 EV next year.

Sony Honda Mobility, the joint venture between Sony Group and Honda Motor, is facing a lawsuit from a California trade group representing auto dealerships. The group alleges that the company's direct sales of electric vehicles (EVs) to consumers violate state law [1]. The lawsuit comes as Sony Honda Mobility prepares to begin deliveries of its Afeela 1 EV in 2026.

The Afeela 1, a premium electric vehicle, is set to redefine mobility with its advanced features, including dual motor all-wheel drive, a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery, and a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge. The vehicle also boasts fast charging capabilities, a sleek design, and cutting-edge safety and intelligence features [2].

Sony Honda Mobility's direct sales model aims to streamline the buying process and offer consumers a more personalized experience. However, traditional auto dealerships argue that this model infringes on their rights and violates state regulations that require cars to be sold through authorized dealerships.

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the future of automotive sales and the role of dealerships in the EV market. As electric vehicles gain popularity, companies like Sony Honda Mobility are exploring new business models to meet consumer demand.

References:
[1] https://asia.nikkei.com/business/automobiles/sony-honda-ev-venture-sued-in-us-for-bypassing-dealerships
[2] https://www.facebook.com/saepul.ihsan.5/posts/driving-into-the-future-with-afeela-evwhen-sonys-innovation-meets-hondas-enginee/2221269438320570/