Foxconn announced on April 9 in Tokyo its ambitious plans to enter the electric vehicle (EV) market, with multiple vehicle models expected to launch beginning in 2027. The announcement signals Foxconn's commitment to expanding its footprint in the burgeoning EV sector, with a special focus on collaboration with Japanese automakers.
According to Kyodo, Bloomberg, and Reuters, during a press briefing, Jun Seki, Foxconn's CSO for EVs, expressed the company's intention to form strategic partnerships with Japanese automotive companies to expedite the development and deployment of EVs. While Seki did not specify any particular company, he highlighted that Foxconn's goal is to quickly create synergies and collaboration opportunities within Japan's automotive industry.
Foxconn is aiming to introduce an EV inspired by its "Model B" in Australia and New Zealand by 2026. While Seki did not confirm the involvement of Mitsubishi Motors, he suggested that Foxconn would be open to supplying EVs to the company. In addition, Foxconn plans to enter the Japanese market with the "Model A," a pure electric passenger car, as well as electric buses and small public buses, although details about the brands of these vehicles have yet to be revealed.
Seki also emphasized the close cultural ties between Japan and Taiwan, describing Japan as a particularly important market for Foxconn. Despite the cautious approach by Japanese automakers, who have been slower than rivals like Tesla and BYD in adopting EVs due to higher costs and limited resources, Foxconn sees a substantial opportunity to leverage its technological strengths and offer cost-effective solutions.
Seki noted that once they use our models, they'll recognize that our technology is on par with or surpasses theirs, addressing doubts about external suppliers in Japan's automotive industry.
In terms of production, Foxconn's EVs will initially be manufactured in Taiwan. However, the company is exploring acquiring or building factories in Japan for future contract manufacturing. If demand for EVs increases significantly by 2027-2028, Foxconn intends to start local production in Japan.
Seki also noted that Foxconn's strategy will focus solely on EVs, eschewing hybrids and gasoline-powered cars. The company plans to offer design and contract manufacturing services to automakers, ensuring faster and more efficient production, which would result in cheaper EVs.
Foxconn also intends to integrate Sharp Corporation's voice navigation technology into its electric vehicles, further enhancing its collaboration with its subsidiary.
Seki confirmed that Foxconn will concentrate on design and contract manufacturing for automakers without pursuing its own brand. He highlighted that electric vehicle production will be "faster and more efficient," resulting in lower costs than hybrid vehicles, stating, "We only look at EVs; we have no interest in hybrids or gasoline vehicles."
Addressing concerns about information leaks, Seki insisted that reputable manufacturers like Foxconn "absolutely will not leak customer or technical data," adding, "If we really leaked information, we would have gone bankrupt long ago."
Article edited by Jack Wu
