Taiwan's Yulon to Drive Mitsubishi into the EV Future: A Strategic Partnership

Yulon and Foxtron Team Up to Manufacture Electric Vehicles in Taiwan for Mitsubishi, Targeting Overseas Markets.

In a significant development for Taiwan's automotive industry, Yulon Motor Co (裕隆汽車) has announced it will manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) for Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors Corp. The EVs will be based on a model developed by Foxtron Vehicle Technologies Co (鴻華先進), a joint venture between Yulon and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co (鴻海精密).

Foxtron Vehicle and Mitsubishi Motors have signed a memorandum of understanding, signaling a partnership for contract design and manufacturing services for an EV model. This deal marks a pivotal moment for Hon Hai, also known internationally as Foxconn Technology Group (富士康科技集團), in its six-year journey into the EV business. Previously, Foxconn had explored opportunities with Nissan Motor Co, Mitsubishi’s largest shareholder, to advance its EV ambitions, but without success.

The first EV model, developed by Foxtron, is expected to be available in Australia and New Zealand from the second half of next year, according to a Foxtron Vehicle statement. Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed that further discussions are underway to finalize a definitive agreement.

This collaboration aligns with Mitsubishi Motors' product plan announced last year, which emphasized "excellent driving performance as an EV and an advanced infotainment system, making it optimal for the Oceania region." While financial details remain undisclosed, the partnership holds considerable promise.

Foxtron Vehicle boasts a diverse portfolio of 11 vehicle models, including the Model T bus, Model V pickup truck, Model N van, Model B hatchback, and the “luxury flagship” Model E sedan.

Yulon will manufacture the EVs for Mitsubishi Motors at its plant in Miaoli County’s Sanyi Township (三義). Yulon highlights that this "opens a new opportunity for Taiwanese automakers to tap into overseas markets."

The company already has experience assembling vehicles for Nissan Motor Corp and Mitsubishi Motors. At the Sanyi factory, it has produced over 10,000 EVs, including the n7 model for its subsidiary Luxgen Motor Co (納智捷汽車). The n7 is based on the initial EV model designed by Foxtron.

Yulon is establishing a new production line at the Sanyi factory to manufacture new EVs based on the Foxtron-developed Model B, targeting both domestic and international markets. The Sanyi factory possesses an installed capacity of 5,500 vehicles per month, with the potential to reach 11,000 units monthly if double shifts are implemented.