For some time, the automotive industry speculated about the possibility of an Apple-branded car. Although that project was eventually discontinued, a new electric vehicle (EV) fitting into the name “Apple car” appeared and is drawing attention. The company behind it is Foxconn, the Taiwanese manufacturer known for producing iPhones.
Foxconn recently shared plans to deliver EVs under the Mitsubishi brand to the Australian market. As part of its transition from electronics to EV manufacturing, the company intends to launch a hatchback branded as a Japanese car during the first half of 2026. Reports from Japanese media specifically identified Mitsubishi, indicating that the automaker may soon fill a gap in its delayed EV portfolio.
Automotive News reported on this potential collaboration. Jun Seki, a senior Foxconn executive and former Nissan executive, outlined the company’s EV production roadmap by stating that the production of Model B for Japanese brands is confirmed, and this model will be released in the Australian market. While Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed the report, many in the industry believe the partnership is likely true.
Targeting the Compact EV Segment
Foxconn’s Model B is a compact electric hatchback measuring approximately 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) long with a 2,800 mm (110.2-inch) wheelbase. It is designed to compete directly with the Kia EV3 and MG ZS EV. Developed by renowned design firm Pininfarina, the vehicle offers an estimated range of over 500 km (310 miles) under the NEDC standard, powered by a 60 kWh battery. These attributes position it as an efficient and affordable EV for Australian consumers.
For Mitsubishi, Model B could address key gaps in its lineup. While the brand was an early EV pioneer with the i-MiEV, it later shifted focus to plug-in hybrids like the Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross PHEV. With the Eclipse Cross now discontinued and the ASX and Pajero Sport withdrawn from the market, Mitsubishi has virtually no presence in the compact EV or SUV categories. Implementing new fuel efficiency standards in Australia starting July 1, which include tighter CO₂ emissions limits, is increasing the pressure on Mitsubishi.
Foxconn Moves Beyond Electronics
Foxconn is more than just an electronics manufacturer. Over the past several years, the company has aggressively invested in EV technologies and built a diverse lineup under its Foxtron brand. Models A, B, and C. Model B stands out as the most likely candidate for OEM partnerships or rebranding across multiple automakers.
While Foxconn previously explored equity acquisition with Nissan, it ultimately focused on collaborative partnerships. The company indicated interest in contract manufacturing with automakers like Renault and Honda, and now Mitsubishi has emerged as a likely new partner. Recent changes in Nissan’s leadership have also reignited merger speculation with Honda, further reinforcing the practicality of Foxconn’s flexible collaboration strategy.
No official word is given whether Foxtron’s other vehicles—such as the mid-size Model C SUV or the smaller Model A—will be offered to Mitsubishi. Still, the Model B partnership has the potential to mark a significant turning point in Foxconn’s evolution as a major OEM partner for global automotive brands.
A Potential Turning Point for Mitsubishi
If the 2026 launch becomes a reality, Model B could be more than just Mitsubishi’s entry into EVs; it could play a central role in restoring the brand’s momentum. Australia’s EV market is quickly shifting away from PHEVs toward fully electric models, and the influx of affordable Chinese EVs puts pressure on traditional brands. In this environment, collaborating with a new production partner like Foxconn could offer Mitsubishi the flexibility and agility it needs.
However, producing EVs based on OEM principles requires extremely high internal brand identity and quality control standards. The success of this collaboration will depend on whether Foxconn’s quality management system can operate reliably within the automotive industry and how Mitsubishi can integrate this into its product philosophy. What’s clear is that the auto industry is entering a period of major change, and Foxconn and Mitsubishi are stepping into that transformation together.
