Mitsubishi Fuso is looking to enter the electric bus market with models built by Foxconn, while Taiwan’s contract manufacturer is working to establish its second e-mobility collaboration in Japan.
Foxconn is close to signing a supply agreement with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation for all-electric buses. If verified, this would be Mitsubishi Fuso’s first foray into the battery-electric bus market with the Model T and Model U microbuses, two models created by Foxconn. The Model T was introduced in 2021, but the latter was first shown in October of last year.
Both parties are thinking of creating a new business to oversee the project, and the cars would be renamed and offered for sale under the Mitsubishi Fuso trademark. The action is a major step towards Foxconn’s goal of extending its e-mobility presence outside of Taiwan, where the Model T has been used on local bus lines since 2022.
Additionally, the possible deal would be Foxconn’s second partnership in Japan for electric vehicles. The organisation, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Motors in May to provide a customised model of the company’s Model B electric crossover.
Some reports suggest Foxconn Chairman Young Liu emphasised the company’s EV strategy at its May shareholders’ meeting, stating “that the company will make the EV business into another growth driver.” On questions about new partnerships, Liu added that preparations for another agreement were “nearly complete”.
Although no production partner has been revealed as of yet, the Model T and Model U are anticipated to debut in Japan in 2027. Foxconn stated in April that it would introduce both models to the Japanese market, although it did not specify which local partners would be involved.
At the same time, Japan’s electric bus market is becoming more and more competitive. President Karl Deppen alluded to ongoing electric bus initiatives “with other partners”, while Mitsubishi Fuso just signed a merger agreement with Hino Motors, a Toyota subsidiary. Rivals like BYD and EV Motors Japan, on the other hand, have already entered the market early and frequently take advantage of Chinese production.