MFTBC and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) announce plan to create new Bus OEM in Japan
· Advance development of competitive, zero-emission
buses in Japan
· Combines FUSO’s bus design, development and
manufacturing expertise with Foxconn’s ZEV technology and global partnership
network
·
New company to be established from H2 2026Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
(Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, President and CEO: Karl
Deppen, hereafter: MFTBC) today announced plans to create a standalone bus
company with partner Hon Hai Technology Group (TWSE:2317), Headquarters:
Tucheng, New Taipei City, Chairman and CEO Young Liu, hereafter: Foxconn).
Katsuto Kora (currently Director, Head of FUSO BUS, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck &
Bus Corporation) is designated as the new company’s CEO.
The two companies previously announced the signing of
a memorandum of understanding to explore strategic collaboration in zero
emission, accelerating clean mobility for the Japanese commercial vehicle
powerhouse and the world’s largest electronics manufacturer. Via their
subsidiaries - Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (MFBM) and Foxtron
Vehicle Technologies (TWSE:2258) – MFTBC and Foxconn plan to cooperate in the
development, production, supply chain management, and sales of ZEV buses,
beginning with Foxtron-developed MODEL T and MODEL U.
Today’s announcement marks the next stage in the
companies’ collaboration. The new company aims to fulfil society’s demand for
high quality public transportation by accelerating the development of
competitive, zero-emission buses in addition to the current diesel lineup. The
buses will be developed and manufactured at the company’s plant in Toyama under
the FUSO name, which already has over 90 years of heritage as a CV brand. The
company will be headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan.
As a bus-dedicated OEM, the new company will focus on
quickly developing and launching EV buses for domestic and international
markets, while continuing to improve the conventional ICE portfolio.
With local development, sourcing, production and sales
channels, the company will also be able to smoothly comply with Japanese
regulations, quality standards and customer needs. This will be backed by
Foxconn’s ZEV expertise, high-tech competency and global partnership network to
help ensure products are successful in Japan and abroad.
Karl Deppen, CEO of MFTBC: “We are excited to join
forces with Foxconn. This collaboration will combine the strengths of both
parties to accelerate our transformation in the bus sector. By combining FUSO
and Foxconn’s extensive experience and technological know-how, we will offer customers
state-of-the art solutions for public transport, thereby contributing to
society both in Japan and abroad.”
“Mobility
is a strategic priority for Foxconn,” said Jun Seki, Foxconn Chief Strategy
Officer for EVs. “This collaboration with MFTBC will provide a comprehensive
electrification solution for Japan’s transportation ecosystem. This approach
will significantly shorten development cycles and enhance cost-efficiency.”
Katsuto
Kora, designated CEO of New Bus OEM: “The new joint venture will
integrate the corporate cultures of both companies, blending Japan’s spirit of
manufacturing excellence with Foxconn’s agility and technological prowess. Given the extensive existing partnerships of both
shareholders, we expect even broader collaboration opportunities in the field
of future technologies in the years to come. Our focus will be on meeting customer
expectationsnot only for current conventional
ICE improvement but also for zero-emission transportation and leading FUSO bus
into a new era of digitalization and electrification.”
Having signed the definitive agreements today, MFTBC
and Foxconn aim to close the transaction in the second half of 2026. The
transaction is subject to all parties involved reaching an agreement and
receiving approval from the relevant Boards, shareholders and authorities.
MFTBC at a Glance
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus
Corporation (MFTBC) is a commercial vehicle manufacturer based in Kawasaki
City, Japan. 89.29% of its shares are owned by Daimler Truck AG and 10.71% by
various Mitsubishi group companies. MFTBC provides trucks, buses and industrial
engines under the FUSO brand with a longstanding history of over 90 years,
serving approximately 170 markets worldwide. MFTBC proactively develops
cutting-edge technologies such as electrification, with its eCanter being
Japan’s first mass-produced electric light-duty truck. MFTBC’s heavy-duty Super
Great Truck was also the first of its kind in Japan to include SAE Level
2-equivalent automated driving support technology, now a benchmark in the
Japanese commercial vehicle market.
Foxconn at a Glance
Established in 1974 in Taiwan,
Hon Hai Technology Group (“Foxconn”) (TWSE:2317) is the world’s largest
electronics manufacturer and leading technological solutions provider, ranking
28th among the Fortune Global 500. In 2025, revenue, unaudited and
consolidated, totaled TWD8.099 trillion (approx. USD260 billion). The Group’s
market share in electronics manufacturing services (EMS) exceeds 40%. The Group
operates over 230 campuses across 24 countries and is one of the world’s
largest employers with approx. 900,000 employees during peak manufacturing
season. The Group has expanded its capabilities into the development of
electric vehicles, digital health, and robotics, and three key technologies –
artificial intelligence, semiconductors and next-generation communications
technology. Pulling it together with its three intelligent platforms – Smart
Manufacturing, Smart EV, Smart City – the “3+3+3” strategy is key to driving
the Group’s long-term growth. Foxconn is dedicated to championing environmental
sustainability in the manufacturing process and serving as a best-practice
model for global enterprises. To learn more, visit www.honhai.com
Foxtron at a Glance
Established in 2020, Foxtron Vehicle Technologies is Taiwan’s only company
with full vehicle design, development, and system validation capabilities.
Leveraging decades of expertise from Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) and
Yulon Group in the ICT and automotive industries, Foxtron operates under the
CDMS (Contract Design and Manufacturing Service) business model. With an open
platform strategy, Foxtron aims to “Root in Taiwan, Expand Globally”, working
alongside Taiwan’s ICT and automotive industries to drive international
expansion and establish the next-generation EV ecosystem.
MFBM at a Glance
Founded in1950, Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing (MFBM) has been delivering high-quality buses to satisfied
customers for over 75 years. With a state-of-the-art production facility
located in Toyama, the company has achieved certification to international
quality and environmental standards (ISO9001 since 2001, ISO14001 since 2003
and ISO/IATF16949 since 2018). MFBM manufactures its light duty ‘Rosa’ bus in
dozens of markets worldwide and also produces large buses for both the
long-distance coach (Aero Queen/Aero Ace) and city (Aero Star) segments.
2026/01/22