Mitsubishi Eyes Electric Crossover with Foxtron Partnership
Mitsubishi is exploring a potential partnership with Foxtron, the electric vehicle arm of tech behemoth Foxconn, to develop a new electric crossover model. The collaboration, currently in the stage of official talks, could see Mitsubishi leverage Foxtron’s expertise in EV development and manufacturing to expand its electric vehicle offerings. Should the negotiations prove fruitful, the resulting vehicle will sport the Mitsubishi badge while being entirely developed and produced by Foxtron.
Foxtron itself is a joint venture, bringing together the technological prowess of Foxconn and the automotive manufacturing experience of Yulon Motor, a Taiwanese automaker. This collaborative structure positions Foxtron as a unique player in the EV landscape, blending electronics manufacturing with automotive engineering. Under the proposed agreement, Yulon will handle the actual production of the electric crossover, further solidifying the Taiwanese company’s role in the project.
The initial target market for this new electric crossover is Australia and New Zealand, suggesting a strategic focus on regions with growing EV adoption rates and a potential demand for compact, technologically advanced vehicles. The anticipated launch date is slated for the second half of 2026, providing ample time for development, testing, and preparation for market entry.
The electric crossover will be built upon Foxtron’s Model B platform, a design introduced in 2022. The Model B showcases Foxtron’s commitment to innovation and its vision for the future of electric mobility. Penned by the renowned Italian design firm Pininfarina, the Model B boasts a sleek and aerodynamic profile. With a length of 4.3 meters, the vehicle strikes a balance between interior space and urban maneuverability.
Powering the Model B platform is a 60 kWh battery pack, offering a range of over 500 kilometers based on China’s CLTC (China light-duty vehicle test cycle) testing standards. It’s worth noting that CLTC standards often yield higher range figures compared to WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) or EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards, so the actual range in real-world driving conditions may vary.
The Model B platform is designed with versatility in mind, offering both rear-wheel-drive single-motor and four-wheel-drive dual-motor configurations. This flexibility allows for different performance characteristics and caters to a wider range of consumer preferences. The rear-wheel-drive version emphasizes efficiency and range, while the four-wheel-drive variant prioritizes performance and enhanced traction, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
Mitsubishi’s strategy of rebadging vehicles from other manufacturers is not new. In the European market, Mitsubishi already offers the Colt, based on the Renault Clio, and the ASX, based on the Renault Captur. This approach allows Mitsubishi to quickly expand its model lineup and offer vehicles in segments where it may not have the resources or development capabilities to create its own models from scratch.
The potential partnership with Foxtron aligns with this existing strategy, providing Mitsubishi with a cost-effective way to enter the electric crossover segment. By leveraging Foxtron’s expertise and existing platform, Mitsubishi can avoid the significant investment and time required to develop its own electric vehicle architecture.
While a definitive agreement is yet to be finalized, the ongoing discussions between Mitsubishi and Foxtron represent a potentially significant step in Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle strategy. The collaboration could provide Mitsubishi with a competitive electric crossover offering, expand its presence in key markets like Australia and New Zealand, and contribute to its overall electrification goals.
The collaboration also highlights the evolving dynamics within the automotive industry, where partnerships and collaborations between traditional automakers and technology companies are becoming increasingly common. These partnerships allow automakers to access new technologies and expertise, while technology companies gain access to established manufacturing and distribution networks.
The potential success of this partnership hinges on several factors, including the final specifications and pricing of the electric crossover, the effectiveness of marketing efforts, and the overall consumer demand for electric vehicles in the target markets. If all goes according to plan, the Mitsubishi-badged electric crossover could become a significant player in the growing electric vehicle market.
The collaboration underscores the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in the global electric vehicle market. With Foxconn and Yulon based in Taiwan and the initial launch planned for Australia and New Zealand, the partnership demonstrates the region’s increasing influence on the development and adoption of electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the involvement of Pininfarina in the design of the Model B platform adds a touch of Italian flair to the project, potentially appealing to consumers who value style and aesthetics. Pininfarina’s design expertise could help differentiate the Mitsubishi-badged electric crossover from its competitors and attract a wider audience.
The potential partnership between Mitsubishi and Foxtron is a complex undertaking with numerous moving parts. However, if successful, it could provide Mitsubishi with a significant boost in the electric vehicle market and further solidify Foxtron’s position as a key player in the electric mobility revolution. The industry will be watching closely to see how these negotiations progress and whether the two companies can forge a successful partnership.
