Sony to launch firm to explore making electric cars

Late at the Gate again.

A very "cool" looking Yoshida, no doubt inspired by the Silicon Valley Steve Jobs et al clan.

Shake off those confining penguin suits and embrace the Brave New World.

Maybe.

The electric vehicle sector is still small, accounting for only about three percent of current sales in the United States but it is attracting a lot of interest and investment.

Well, I crunched the numbers, but decided to stick to my core competency of apathy instead.

I'd happily buy a Sony Electric Car over a poorly assembled Tesla's or whatever EV's Toyota reluctantly brings to the market.

Sony has the lithium battery and electronics knowledge. But it would make more sense if they formed a joint venture with a partner with automotive knowledge.

I just saw a commercial for this V car. I didn't realize it was Sony until now. And what's up with every president, when presenting new products, copying Steve Job's by wearing jeans that they don't look good in?

As much as I love Sony, they may need to get rid of their smartphone line if they want to budget for this. They make great products but end up not selling well due to poor marketing and overpriced.

@OssanAmerica ... Just not with a French company. Look at how that turned out. :D

Sony has the lithium battery and electronics knowledge. But it would make more sense if they formed a joint venture with a partner with automotive knowledge.

Like most Japanese companies, production and marketing will be their undoing.

"A very 'cool' looking (Sony chief executive officer Kenichiro) Yoshida..."

In total agreement here...and he speaks English very fluently, judging by this morning's TV news report.

"And what's up with every president, when presenting new products, copying Steve Job's [sic]..."

Copying Steve Jobs' what?

I bet you’ll be able to drive it with a Play Station controller…

Why do they need to form a separate company to discuss entering a new line of business?

To protect existing lines of business from liability or loss. And if it turn out to be a money loser you can sell it off or liquidate it without affecting other lines of your business.

Like most Japanese companies, production and marketing will be their undoing

Efficient production is one of Japanese manufacturing's great and most copied strengths.