The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) saw Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang make a significant impact, but it was the automotive industry that truly dominated the event. From innovative concept cars and self-driving trucks to cutting-edge infotainment systems and even flying cars, automotive news captured the headlines. This reflects the evolving landscape where cars are increasingly becoming synonymous with consumer technology. Here’s a recap of the key automotive highlights from the Las Vegas tech conference.
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Honda’s Electrifying Debut and Sony’s Collaborative Effort
Honda made a splash at CES with the unveiling of two electric vehicle (EV) prototypes: the Honda 0 SUV and the Honda 0 Saloon. These models, slated for a North American launch in 2026, represent the first entries in Honda’s new “0” series of pure EVs. The designs mark a departure for Honda, with the SUV showcasing a retro-futuristic aesthetic and the Saloon boasting a wedge-shaped design reminiscent of a Lamborghini. Both vehicles will utilize Honda’s ASIMO onboard operating system, designed for next-generation EVs, and chips from Renesas Electronics, enabling Level 3 self-driving capabilities (“eyes off” mode).
Honda also presented an updated version of the Afeela 1 sedan, developed in collaboration with Sony. While the Afeela’s exterior maintains a more conventional appearance, its interior is a showcase of Sony’s technological prowess. A full-screen dashboard powered by Sony software offers a range of features, including the ability to play PS5 games.
Priced at $90,000, the Afeela offers a unique customer experience. Purchases are made online, with vehicle pickup at a dealership. Shugo Yamaguchi, CEO of Sony Honda Mobility of America, emphasized this direct-to-consumer approach, designed to streamline the buying process and enhance customer satisfaction.
Despite showcasing three new EVs for the US market, Honda expressed reservations regarding EV production in the US due to potential policy changes impacting EV tax credits and incentives under the incoming Trump administration.
Nvidia’s Continued Automotive Advancements
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the company’s commitment to self-driving technology, stating that it’s already a $5 billion annual business. Nvidia unveiled its Cosmos platform, enabling developers to simulate self-driving vehicle software. Huang emphasized the immense potential of the autonomous driving market, projecting it to become one of the largest robotics and computing industries globally.
Nvidia announced partnerships with Toyota to power computing and autonomous technology for next-generation EVs and with autonomous trucking company Aurora Innovation, which will utilize Nvidia’s specialized chips for self-driving vehicle systems. The Aurora deal also involves Germany’s Continental, which will manufacture the driverless trucks. Toyota remained tight-lipped about specific vehicles incorporating Nvidia technology.
BMW and Hyundai Showcase Cabin Tech Innovations
BMW showcased its latest iDrive infotainment and user experience (UX), featuring panoramic vision, a full display bar above the dashboard, and a complementary center console screen. This setup provides drivers with comprehensive vehicle data, information, and entertainment functions.
Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai’s parts and service division, unveiled a groundbreaking Holographic Windshield Display powered by augmented reality. This innovative display projects driving information, including navigation, infotainment, and safety alerts, as a layer of graphics across the entire windshield, enhancing the driver’s field of view. The technology’s optics are powered by Germany’s Zeiss, and the upcoming Kia EV9 will be the first vehicle to feature this holographic windshield.
XPeng’s Vision for the Future of Mobility: Land and Air
XPeng, a Chinese EV manufacturer, introduced the AeroHT, a futuristic modular EV van with six wheels and a remarkable feature: a deployable electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This “Land Aircraft Carrier” concept allows the driver and a passenger to transition seamlessly from road to air travel.
XPeng claims the drone-like aircraft, controlled by a single joystick, is easy to learn and master. While still a concept, XPeng indicated that the AeroHT is nearing production, with presales on the horizon. This bold vision underscores the ambition and innovation driving the future of transportation.
