Sony Honda Mobility World-Premieres AFEELA Prototype 2026 at CES® 2026

Core Insights - Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) is evolving its vision for mobility, introducing AFEELA as a pre-production model aimed at transforming vehicles into "Creative Entertainment Spaces" powered by AI [2][4]. Group 1: Company Vision and Strategy - SHM envisions a future where vehicles become intelligent partners that enhance user experiences by understanding preferences and emotions [4]. - The company is committed to developing an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) called AFEELA Intelligent Drive, aiming for Level 4-equivalent capabilities in the future [5]. - SHM is leveraging Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service for the AFEELA Personal Agent, which provides personalized interactions between users and vehicles [6]. Group 2: Product Development and Launch Timeline - AFEELA 1 is set to begin customer deliveries in California in late 2026, with plans to expand to Arizona in 2027 and Japan in the first half of 2027 [8][14]. - The AFEELA Prototype 2026 was debuted at CES 2026, with a production model expected to launch in the U.S. as early as 2028 [15]. Group 3: Technological Integration - SHM will utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis to enhance its future electrical/electronic architecture, aiming for AI-centered mobility experiences [7]. - The company is implementing the "AFEELA Co-Creation Program" to collaborate with creators and developers, providing access to necessary information for in-vehicle entertainment development [8]. Group 4: Customer Engagement and Experience - SHM has opened AFEELA Studio showrooms and conducted over 24,000 in-vehicle demonstrations, attracting more than 100,000 visitors since reservations began in January 2025 [11]. - AFEELA Studio and Delivery Hubs will open in Torrance and Fremont, California, offering a full brand experience and demo drives for early reservation holders [13].