Foxconn in talks to supply electric buses to Mitsubishi Fuso for Japan

Foxconn is reportedly close to securing a deal to supply all-electric buses to Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, according to Asia Nikkei as covered by trade agency Electrive. If concluded, the agreement would mark Mitsubishi Fuso’s entry into the battery-electric bus segment using two models developed by Foxconn: the Model T and the Model U microbus.

Both vehicles would be rebadged under the Mitsubishi Fuso brand, and the two companies are said to be exploring the creation of a new entity to oversee the initiative. The Model T has been in operation in Taiwan since 2022, while the Model U was unveiled in late 2023.

Foxconn to provide e-buses to Mitsubishi Fuso?

A Japanese market launch is expected in 2027. Foxconn announced its intention to bring both models to Japan earlier this year but did not disclose a local manufacturing partner. If Mitsubishi Fuso were to assume that role, it would provide Foxconn with a critical foothold in the Japanese commercial vehicle market.

Electrive notes that “the competitive landscape for electric buses in Japan is evolving. Mitsubishi Fuso recently finalised its merger with Hino Motors, a Toyota subsidiary, and President Karl Deppen hinted at ongoing electric bus projects “with other partners.” Meanwhile, rivals such as BYD and EV Motors Japan have already gained early market entry, often leveraging Chinese manufacturing”.