Sony Honda Mobility is taking a decisive step toward the commercialization of its first electric vehicle by launching production trial runs and implementing a dedicated quality control process in the United States. This preparatory phase is designed to ensure high standards, both in terms of technology and perceived build quality.
- Production trial runs have been carried out at a Honda plant in Ohio in preparation for series production
- A dedicated inspection centre, called Quality Gate, has been established to conduct in-depth quality checks
- The reliability of onboard technologies and overall build quality are central to the approach
A strategic pre-production phase
In early 2026, Sony Honda Mobility confirmed that it had completed experimental production runs of its first model, the AFEELA 1. These trials were conducted on an industrial production line operated by its manufacturing partner Honda at the East Liberty plant in Ohio. This stage represents a critical milestone ahead of full-scale mass production.
2026 Afeela 1 PrototypeLaunch of the Quality Gate centre
At the same time, the company announced the creation of a dedicated inspection facility named Quality Gate, also located in East Liberty. The purpose of this centre is to add an additional layer of quality control to the standard manufacturing inspections already carried out at the plant, ensuring that each vehicle precisely meets the requirements defined by Sony Honda Mobility.
A technology-intensive vehicle
The production of the AFEELA is based on particularly strict criteria due to the vehicle’s technological complexity. The model integrates around 40 sensors, panoramic displays, in-vehicle applications, and advanced functions built on artificial intelligence and connectivity. Once assembled according to these standards, the vehicles undergo additional inspections at the Quality Gate facility.
2026 Afeela 1 PrototypeTwo main inspection priorities
Inspections conducted at Quality Gate focus on two main areas. The first covers the vehicle’s intelligent functions, including the infotainment system, onboard sensors, and connection stability. The second addresses exterior quality, with a detailed assessment of surface continuity, reflection uniformity, and colour accuracy—elements considered essential to the brand’s identity.
A tool for continuous improvement
Beyond final inspection, the Quality Gate centre also plays a key role in stabilizing production quality. Data collected during inspections is shared with design teams and manufacturing operations to fine-tune processes and support continuous product improvement.
A promise of reliability for customers
According to the quality management team, the objective is clear: all integrated functions must operate exactly as intended in order to deliver the experience promised by AFEELA, while ensuring a high level of reliability. The AFEELA 1, the brand’s first production model, is expected to arrive in California starting in 2026 and reflects a vision of mobility centred on technology and user experience.
