Taiwanese electronics chief Foxconn has secured a partnership with Mitsubishi to create a brand new battery-powered compact SUV for Australia, set to reach in native dealerships within the first half of 2026.
Latest reviews from credible sources point out that the corporate, famend for manufacturing Apple iPhones, will introduce an electrical car (EV) to Mitsubishi sellers throughout Australia subsequent yr. Initially showcased by Foxconn in 2022 underneath the identify Foxtron Mannequin B, this EV has a powerful size of 4.32 meters and encompasses a design crafted by Pininfarina.
The upcoming Mannequin B is predicted to supply each single and twin motor powertrains supported by a 60kWh battery pack, which ought to present a spread of as much as 500 kilometers. This association is a part of Foxconn’s technique to increase its contract manufacturing experience into the automotive sector.
Foxconn, also called Hon Hai Know-how Group, has formidable plans that embrace the manufacturing of no less than six numerous battery-powered autos and buses for various automotive manufacturers. Throughout a current press occasion in Tokyo, Foxconn government Jun Seki indicated that the corporate is provided to design and assemble a various vary of EVs tailor-made to fulfill particular shopper wants worldwide. Seki confirmed that the Mannequin B is ready to launch in Australia by mid-2026, though he didn’t explicitly identify Mitsubishi as a companion, regardless of reviews from a number of Japanese media shops suggesting in any other case. Mitsubishi Australia declined to touch upon the state of affairs.
The Foxconn lineup contains autos such because the Mannequin B compact SUV-coupe, Mannequin C mid-size SUV, Mannequin D people-mover, Mannequin E mid-size SUV-coupe, and the Mannequin A, which is designed as a small cargo van. Moreover, there’s the Mannequin T, categorized as a big bus, and the Mannequin U, a minibus. Notably absent from this checklist is the Mannequin V dual-cab ute, which was unveiled alongside the Mannequin B in 2022.
Seki assured that every one autos will profit from Foxconn’s superior manufacturing strategies, that are recognized for his or her cost-effectiveness and top quality. The Mannequin C, a mid-size SUV, is predicted to enter the U.S. market in late 2025 and has already begun manufacturing, using the model Luxgen N7. Following that, the Mannequin B, aimed on the Australian market, might probably exchange the growing older ASX mannequin, whereas contributing to Mitsubishi’s carbon discount objectives in Australia.
All autos on this initiative will make the most of a shared structure and customary elements to reduce growth prices. The Mannequin C shall be out there with two battery sizes—a 58kWh choice providing a spread of 500 kilometers and a bigger 83kWh battery able to as much as 700 kilometers on a single cost. The rear-wheel drive model will characteristic a single electrical motor producing 172kW and 340Nm of torque, whereas the all-wheel-drive variant will ship a sturdy 344kW and 680Nm, reaching 0-100 km/h in simply 3.8 seconds, together with superior expertise like lively air suspension.
Foxconn’s collaboration with Mitsubishi has sparked hypothesis about potential partnerships with different producers like Nissan and Honda as the corporate goals to realize the manufacturing quantity wanted for profitability in its new automotive division. Seki emphasised that Foxconn shouldn’t be trying to grow to be a automobile producer however quite intends to pursue a business-to-business mannequin that doesn’t compete immediately with its future purchasers.
The corporate has skilled blended outcomes prior to now, together with a failed collaboration with the now-defunct Lordstown Motors, whereas persevering with to promote autos underneath the Luxgen model in Taiwan.
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