Foxconn, iPhone Manufacturer, Holds a Seminar in Tokyo to Attract Japanese Car Brands Partnerships

【PCauto】Recently, Foxconn held an electric vehicle strategy presentation in Tokyo, where it unveiled its strategic plans in the electric vehicle sector for the first time. The company plans to launch two electric vehicles targeting the U.S. market, marking a significant step in its entry into the automotive industry. As one of the world's largest electronics manufacturing services providers, Foxconn is accelerating its foray into vehicle manufacturing through an open collaboration model and supply chain integration capabilities.

Jun Seki, head of its business operations, stated that Foxconn will prioritize the Japanese and Oceania markets while exploring collaboration opportunities with companies such as Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan.

Foxconn has made substantial progress in its partnerships with Japanese automakers. In April 2025, the company announced an agreement with Mitsubishi Motors to manufacture electric vehicles for the Australian and New Zealand markets. This marks Foxconn's first order from a Japanese client in the electric vehicle sector, signifying that its manufacturing capabilities have gained recognition from traditional car manufacturers. One of the reasons Mitsubishi chose Foxconn is its advantages in cost control and large-scale production, which can assist automakers in addressing increasingly stringent environmental regulations and the pressures of electrification.

Additionally, Foxconn is actively seeking collaboration with Nissan. Jun Seki, who previously held an executive position at Nissan, emphasized the compatibility of both companies in terms of technological pathways and market objectives. Although formal negotiations have yet to commence, industry insiders believe that a partnership could leverage Foxconn's electronics manufacturing experience—such as smart cockpit and IOV technologies—to fill Nissan's gaps in electric vehicle intelligence.

Despite Foxconn's flurry of activities in the electric vehicle sector, the company faces multiple challenges. Firstly, automotive manufacturing demands far higher safety and reliability than consumer electronics; it remains to be seen whether the contract manufacturing model can meet the needs of automakers. Secondly, the Southeast Asian market is fiercely competitive, with Chinese, Japanese and Korean automakers already established, prompting Foxconn to clarify its differentiation strategy.

Nonetheless, Foxconn's core strengths lie in its supply chain integration capabilities and cross-industry technology transfer experience. For instance, its technology expertise in artificial intelligence servers and consumer electronics can be applied to the development of smart driving systems for electric vehicles. Furthermore, if the open MIH electric vehicle platform can attract more partners, it will accelerate the research and production of regional models, thereby lowering the barriers for automakers to enter new markets.