Recently, Sony and Honda announced plans to build electric cars together, with Honda focusing on manufacturing and Sony creating a mobility services platform.

The companies plan to create it as a separate business now. Sony President and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida told Nikkei that it's better to make the joint venture independent in the long run rather than putting it under Sony or Honda. 

Yoshida did not provide more details but did say there is a 'possibility' that the companies might sell a stake in the joint venture or make an IPO. I hope to be able to speak about it at some point shortly. 

Earlier this year, the companies announced their joint venture. Sony says it wants to 'fill the world with emotion through creativity and technology,' likely through high-tech interiors and fancy entertainment systems.

'We want to create a mobility system that is centered on safety, entertainment, and adaptability,' it said.

Honda announced last year plans to convert its entire fleet to EVs and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040. As part of that, it will invest $40 billion and launch 30 new EVs by 2030.

Sony's tie-up with Honda may not fit into those plans, but Honda lags behind rivals - the only true electric vehicle sold in the west is the niche Honda E sold only in Europe.

Sony seems to believe that other tech companies like Apple might soon join the fray and that EVs will become more connected such as Sony's Aibo robot dog.

'Mobility has become a service,' he said. We aim to contribute to the evolution of mobility by providing the basis for network functions.'