Foxconn eyes Nissan as potential EV partner amid growing Japan ties

Foxconn may be looking to team up with Nissan in the electric vehicle space, according to remarks made by a senior executive this week. While no formal talks are underway, the Taiwanese electronics giant has made it clear it sees potential in working with the Japanese automaker.

In an interview with Nikkei, Jun Seki, Foxconn’s Chief Strategy Officer for electric vehicles—and a former Nissan executive—said the two companies could be a good match. He made the comments just before a Tokyo seminar where Foxconn shared its EV plans with Japanese auto companies.

“From our perspective, the compatibility with Japanese automakers, especially Nissan, will become a strength,” Seki told the outlet. Though there’s no active partnership at the moment, his comments suggest Foxconn is keeping the door open.

Seki also confirmed that Foxconn is close to finalizing a deal with Mitsubishi Motors to supply electric vehicles. According to earlier reports, Mitsubishi may shift some EV production to Foxconn for markets like Oceania—a sign of Foxconn’s growing role in vehicle manufacturing, well beyond its traditional electronics business.

The conversation also touched on the idea of a broader partnership involving Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi—a framework Foxconn reportedly proposed earlier this year after merger talks between Honda and Nissan fell through. Such a collaboration could open new doors for the tech manufacturer to scale EV production rapidly.

Best known as the company behind Apple’s iPhones, Foxconn has been working to transform itself into a major player in the EV industry. It has developed its own MIH platform, an open-source chassis designed to help automakers bring electric models to market faster and more efficiently. The company has ambitious goals: it’s aiming to produce 500,000 EVs annually and capture 5% of the global market by 2025.

While Foxconn once considered taking a stake in Nissan, the focus now appears to be on forming strategic partnerships rather than pursuing ownership. The approach aligns with its broader plan to become a leading contract manufacturer for next-gen mobility solutions.

Quick Industry Context:

• Foxconn’s EV shift: The company has introduced its own prototypes—like the Model C SUV and Model B hatchback—under its Foxtron brand.
• Japanese automakers under pressure: Firms like Nissan and Honda are racing to catch up in EV development as global demand surges.
• EV market growth: The global electric vehicle industry is forecast to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, with Asia-Pacific leading the charge.

FAQs: Foxconn–Nissan EV Developments

Q1: Is there a confirmed deal between Foxconn and Nissan?

Not yet. While Foxconn has expressed interest in collaborating with Nissan, no official agreement has been announced.

Q2: What kind of EV projects is Foxconn involved in?

Foxconn is building a business around contract EV manufacturing. It’s already working on deals with other automakers, including Mitsubishi.

Q3: Has Foxconn proposed a broader auto alliance in Japan?

Yes. Earlier this year, Foxconn reportedly pitched a framework involving Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi following the collapse of Honda-Nissan merger talks.

Q4: What’s the benefit of this kind of partnership?

Such a collaboration could allow Japanese automakers to scale EV production faster while letting Foxconn expand its presence in the mobility sector.