没交付先吃官司，索尼本田踩了红线

Core Viewpoint - The legal dispute involving AFEELA, a joint venture between Sony and Honda, highlights the clash between new direct sales models for electric vehicles and traditional dealership frameworks in California, raising questions about compliance with state laws [2][8][15]. Group 1: Company Structure and Sales Model - AFEELA is a joint venture formed by Sony and Honda, officially established in June 2022, with each holding a 50% stake and a registered capital of 10 billion yen (approximately 500 million RMB) [5]. - The company aims to streamline the vehicle purchasing process by allowing consumers to complete reservations and sales directly through its website, charging a refundable deposit of $200 for the AFEELA 1 model [5][8]. - AFEELA 1 is set to be produced at Honda's factory in Ohio, with plans for sales to commence in California in 2025 and deliveries starting in mid-2026 [6]. Group 2: Legal Challenges and Implications - The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has filed a lawsuit against Honda and its subsidiaries, claiming that AFEELA's direct sales approach violates state laws prohibiting manufacturers from competing with their own franchised dealers [2][8][13]. - CNCDA argues that AFEELA's actions directly threaten the business of 161 Honda and Acura dealers in California, seeking immediate legal relief to halt these practices [8][12]. - The case reflects broader tensions within the automotive industry regarding the legality of direct sales models, as seen in previous lawsuits against other manufacturers like Volkswagen [12][15]. Group 3: Potential Outcomes and Industry Impact - The ongoing legal proceedings could lead to three possible outcomes: a court ruling in favor of CNCDA, a settlement that introduces authorized dealerships for delivery and service, or prolonged legal debates over the definition of "affiliated parties" [15]. - The implications of this case extend beyond AFEELA, potentially influencing how other states regulate direct sales and the relationship between manufacturers and dealerships [15].