Verizon and KDDI partner to connect high-tech AFEELA electric vehicle from Sony Honda Mobility
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The partnership between Verizon, KDDI and Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) marks a significant development in the automotive and telecommunications industries. By leveraging Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks for the AFEELA electric vehicles, SHM is positioning itself at the forefront of the connected car revolution. This move is indicative of the broader trend towards 'software-defined vehicles' where over-the-air updates and continuous connectivity redefine the user experience and vehicle functionality.
From an industry perspective, the integration of advanced sensing technology and AI capabilities suggests that SHM is heavily investing in autonomous driving technologies (AD/ADAS). Such features have become increasingly important competitive differentiators in the EV market. The collaboration could potentially lead to increased demand for Verizon's network services, as well as drive consumer interest in AFEELA vehicles, which could impact Verizon's and SHM's market share and financial performance.
The collaboration between Verizon and KDDI utilizing the Global Communications Platform highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in expanding the reach of connected services. The ability to provide consistent connectivity for vehicles is a complex challenge that requires robust infrastructure and seamless integration across different networks. This partnership is a strategic move for Verizon to showcase the reliability and speed of its 5G network, potentially setting a precedent for future telematics and connectivity services in the automotive industry.
For investors and stakeholders, the focus should be on the scalability of these services and the potential for new revenue streams through subscriptions or data-driven services. Additionally, the quality of service provided by Verizon's network in this context could influence consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty, impacting long-term returns.
The announcement underscores the vital role of connectivity in the next generation of electric vehicles. AFEELA's emphasis on creating a 'creative entertainment space' within its vehicles suggests a convergence of automotive and digital entertainment industries, which could lead to new business models and revenue opportunities. The use of AI and advanced sensors also indicates a significant investment in research and development, which is crucial for SHM to maintain a competitive edge.
Long-term implications for the industry include a shift towards vehicles as a service (VaaS) platforms, where software updates and digital services become recurring revenue sources. This trend could reshape how automotive companies structure their business models and how telecom companies like Verizon position themselves within the automotive ecosystem.
What you need to know:
- Verizon is the telematics and connectivity provider for the AFEELA brand's first mass-production electric vehicle in the United States, through a long-term partnership with Japanese-headquartered telecom operator KDDI.
- AFEELA, a brand of Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), is the high-tech software-defined electric vehicle with highly advanced sensing technology, AI capabilities, and connected features.
NEW YORK and DALLAS, Feb. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon and KDDI today announced plans for a collaboration to bring cutting-edge connected car capabilities to the AFEELA brand's first mass-production electric vehicle in the United States.
This collaboration will enable cellular connectivity and advanced mobility features for the first AFEELA mass-produced electric vehicle in the United States, using Verizon’s 5G and 4G LTE networks and KDDI’s Global Communications Platform to support Car Connectivity.
“AFEELA,” a new brand of Sony Honda Mobility, was announced at CES® 2023. AFEELA expresses an interactive relationship through which people ‘FEEL’ mobility as an intelligent entity and mobility ‘FEELs’ people and society using sensing and network IT technologies. The mass-produced model is scheduled to be launched in 2025, with deliveries starting in North America in the spring of 2026.
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) was established by Sony Group and Honda for the joint development and sale of high-value-added electric vehicles (EVs) and the provision of services for mobility in September 2022. Under the purpose of "Move people, through the pursuit of innovation with diverse inspirations,” SHM is paving the way for a new era of mobility as a Mobility Tech Company.
“Through our EV and services brand, AFEELA, we pursue mobility as a creative entertainment space, with hardware befitting a premium brand and AD/ADAS utilizing AI. To achieve this, consistent connectivity of vehicles to networks is crucial, and unprecedented high-throughput, low-latency wireless networking is essential. We are excited about the strong partnership between KDDI and Verizon toward delivering high-quality products and services for the connected car in the U.S.," said Kojiro Okabe, Director and Executive Vice President, Sony Honda Mobility Inc.
"We are thrilled to combine our Global Communications Platform with the power of the Verizon network to redefine the connected car market in the United States. We’re looking forward to the launch of connected services for new AFEELA vehicles beginning on first delivery,” said Satoshi Oishi, CEO KDDI America, Inc. “It is a great honor to contribute to a project that aims for a future where electric vehicles can be connected all over the world.”
“AFEELA vehicles exemplify the always-connected, software-defined, all-electric future of transportation, and we couldn’t be more excited to work with them and KDDI on building that future in the U.S. on the Verizon network,” said TJ Fox, Senior Vice President, IIoT and Automotive, Verizon Business.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of
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Media contact:
Matt Conte
matthew.conte@verizon.com
(917) 848-3040
Brian Vaughn
b.vaughn@kddia.com
(469) 855-8984
FAQ
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