What you need to know:
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Verizon is the first mass-produced electric vehicle telematics and connectivity provider under the AFEELA brand in the U.S. through a long-term partnership with Japan-based carrier KDDI.
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AFEELA, a brand of Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), is a high-tech software-defined electric vehicle with advanced sensing technology, AI capabilities, and connected features.
NEW YORK and DALLAS, Feb. 26, 2024 (Globe Newswire) — Verizon and KDDI today announced plans to partner to bring cutting-edge connected car features to the first mass-produced electric vehicle under the AFEELA brand in the U.S. .
The partnership will enable cellular connectivity and advanced mobility features for the first AFEELA production electric vehicle in the U.S. using Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks and KDDI's global communications platform that supports car connectivity.
Sony Honda Mobility's new brand “AFEELA” was announced at CES® 2023. AFEELA expresses the interactive relationship between mobility as an intelligent being and mobility that uses sensing and network IT technology to “feel” people and society. The mass-produced model is scheduled to go on sale in 2025, with deliveries in North America starting in spring 2026.
Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) was established by the Sony Group and Honda in September 2022 for the purpose of jointly developing and selling high-value-added electric vehicles (EVs) and providing mobility-related services. SHM is pioneering a new era in mobility as a mobility tech company that pursues innovation with diverse inspiration.
Through our EV and service brand AFEELA, we pursue mobility as a creative entertainment space using AD/ADAS that utilizes hardware and AI befitting a premium brand. To achieve this, consistent vehicle-to-network connectivity is key, and unprecedented high-throughput, low-latency wireless networking is essential. We are excited about the strong partnership between KDDI and Verizon to deliver quality products and services for connected cars in the United States,” said Kojiro Okabe, Executive Vice President, Sony Honda Mobility Corporation. .
“We are excited to combine the power of our global communications platform and the Verizon network to redefine the connected car market in the United States. We look forward to launching connected services for new AFEELA vehicles starting with first delivery.” ” he said. KDDI America, Inc. CEO Satoshi Oishi: “We are honored to be able to contribute to a project that aims to create a future where electric vehicles connect all over the world.”
“AFEELA vehicles represent the always-on, software-defined, all-electric future of transportation, and we are excited to work with them and KDDI to build that future on the Verizon network in the U.S. I couldn't be more excited,” said TJ Fox. , Senior Vice President, IIoT and Automotive, Verizon Business.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), founded on June 30, 2000, is one of the world's leading providers of technology and communications services. Verizon, headquartered in New York City and with offices around the world, had revenues of $134 billion in 2023. The company delivers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning network and platform to meet customer demands for mobility.Reliable network connectivity, security and control
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Media contact:
matt conte
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brian vaughn
b.vaughn@kddia.com
(469) 855-8984
