We do many things differently. For example, we produce the Sion in only one variant and color. This means less development time and shortens procurement, testing and vehicle build. The majority of our components come into the Sion as so-called "carry-over parts" and therefore only have to be tested in the vehicle environment. We also shorten the test duration by focusing on simulations early in the development phase. We have close and good relationships with our partners. We develop new and efficient processes with them right from the start. This saves us valuable time.
We have sent our first vehicles (SVC1) on test drives early on in the concept phase. This enabled us to get direct feedback from those who were interested in the idea of the Sion. We quickly found enthusiastic supporters who joined together to form a Community and whose opinions and feedback were integrated into further development phases. At the same time, we built Sono Motors, hired a team of more than two hundred people and developed organizational structures. Of course, a wide network of partners and suppliers was also set up. Through design loops and simulation, all homologation requirements are already tested on the virtual vehicle.
The completion of the procurement phase, which involves tool manufacturing, part production and testing, logistics and pre-assembly, is followed by the MRD (material required date). With that the assembly of the bodies (BIW) and prototypes begins in the prototype shop. Once the first hardware has been completed, the test phase begins. Here, the functional tests and physical crash tests are carried out to ensure that the requirements from the specification and homologation are met. In the subsequent design update phase necessary changes are incorporated into the virtual vehicle. At the end there is then the milestone design release MB, with the completion of which we then start the procurement of series toolings.
Here, the production trial begins, the assembly of the first vehicles at our contract manufacturer on the production line (Body Shop and General Assembly). The PPAP process (Production Parts Approval Process) is simultaneously initiated at our suppliers. Now the final tests for the type approval are carried out with vehicles from production. When successful type approval is received and the the PPAP completed, series production of the Sion (SOP) begins.
We want to get the Sion onto the road as soon as possible. Good project management of course always includes a realistic risk assessment. This is especially relevant in a company like ours, as transparency and openness are important to us. Our experienced development team continuously evaluates possible risks. In our overview, potential delays due to possible risks are presented transparently. We continuously evaluate all events and development steps in order to be able to react quickly and to avoid delays.
