Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (SHM) announced on January 2, 2026, that it has conducted trial production runs of its first electric vehicle, the AFEELA 1, at Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio. The company also established a dedicated quality inspection facility called Quality Gate in East Liberty to perform additional inspections on vehicles manufactured at the plant.
Highlights
- Trial production of AFEELA 1 commenced at Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio as preparation for mass production.
- SHM established Quality Gate, a dedicated inspection facility for function and exterior quality verification.
- The AFEELA 1 features 40 sensors, panoramic screens, in-car applications, and AI-powered connectivity.
- Deliveries are scheduled to begin in California in 2026.
Quality Gate Inspection Facility
The Quality Gate facility will conduct inspections from two primary perspectives after vehicles complete Honda’s standard manufacturing quality checks.
Function Inspection verifies the operation of AFEELA’s intelligent features, including:
- In-vehicle infotainment system
- Various sensors (40 total)
- Connectivity stability
Exterior Inspection focuses on design elements that define the AFEELA brand, including:
- Vehicle surface continuity
- Reflection uniformity
- Color accuracy
The facility also serves as a feedback mechanism for production quality stabilization. Data collected during inspections will be shared with SHM’s vehicle design department and Honda’s manufacturing floor to support continuous improvement.
Manufacturing Partnership
Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC serves as SHM’s contract manufacturing partner for the AFEELA 1. The trial production represents a key milestone in the preparation process for mass production.
“We will ensure that all integrated functions installed in the vehicle operate completely as designed to deliver the experience promised by AFEELA. We will provide not only technology but also the highest reliability. This is our commitment to our customers,” said Susan Dulik, Product Quality Manager, Quality Control, Sony Honda Mobility of America Inc.
About the Companies
Sony Honda Mobility Inc. was established in 2022 as a joint venture between Sony Group Corporation and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The AFEELA 1 is currently available for reservation in California.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
