Sharp's Next Move Isn't A TVIt's An EV

"Cars are becoming increasingly electrified and software-defined. This shift in the industry is making the car-making game increasingly attractive to companies that wouldn't have considered making cars a decade ago. Back then, who would've been willing to bet Japanese electronics giant Sharp would announce a car project? Hardly anybody, but that's exactly what the company announced today. Next week, Sharp plans to unveil a concept for its first-ever cara minimalist electric minivan with a price tag it says families can comfortably afford."

"This isn't actually Sharp's first vehicle concept. In 2024, it revealed its LDK+ study, which had more of a van form factor. But the company says this new design is completely different and lighter than last year's study, although it keeps the same ethos of being a living room on wheels. The concept isn't a final representation of what the company plans to produce, but it is closer to production compared to the previous one."

"The news that Sharp wants to build a car may not be so surprising if you know who owns the brand. Taiwan-based technology company Foxconn (best known as the manufacturer of the iPhone) paid $3.5 billion in 2016 to gain a controlling 66% stake in Sharp, which was and still is struggling financially. Pivoting to cars could be a way for the company to stay afloat."

Sharp plans to unveil an electric minimalist minivan concept at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon that targets affordability and offers a "living room on wheels" interior. The concept is lighter and closer to production than Sharp's 2024 LDK+ study while retaining the same ethos. Nikkei reports a series model could enter production in 2027 with support from parent company Foxconn. Foxconn acquired a controlling 66% stake in Sharp in 2016 and has pursued EV initiatives, including attempted factory acquisition in Ohio and multiple EV concepts. Industry electrification and software-defined vehicles are attracting nontraditional automakers.

Read at insideevs.com