Mitsubishi Fuso, the Daimler Truck-owned commercial vehicle manufacturer, has officially joined forces with Foxconn to launch a new joint venture focused on electric bus production in Japan.
The new venture will develop competitive, zero-emission electric buses primarily for the Japanese market, with operations scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.
Based in Kawasaki, Japan, this new joint venture will operate as an independent bus OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The company will be led by Katsuto Kora, currently head of Fuso’s bus division.
Through their respective subsidiaries—Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing and Foxtron Vehicle Technologies—the partners will combine their expertise across vehicle development, manufacturing, supply chain management, and distribution. The buses will carry the Fuso brand.
The initial lineup will include the Model T and Model U, both previously developed by Foxtron. The Model T, first unveiled in 2021, is a 12-metre electric city bus with a reported range of up to 400 kilometres. It is already in operation in several Taiwanese cities, including Taipei, as well as in Indonesia.
The Model U, unveiled in October 2024, is a smaller microbus featuring a modular and upscale interior. Depending on seating configuration, it can accommodate up to 21 passengers. While full dimensions and technical specifications have yet to be disclosed, the vehicle currently serves as a prototype or reference design.
Commenting on the partnership, Fuso CEO Karl Deppen said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Foxconn. This partnership combines the strengths of both companies and will accelerate our transformation in the bus sector. By leveraging the extensive experience and technological expertise of Fuso and Foxconn, we will offer our customers cutting-edge solutions for public transport and contribute to society in Japan and worldwide.”
Jun Seki, Chief Strategy Officer for Electric Vehicles at Foxconn, added: “Mobility is a strategic priority for Foxconn. This collaboration with Mitsubishi Fuso will deliver a comprehensive electrification solution for Japan’s transport system. This approach will significantly shorten development cycles and improve cost efficiency.”
Fuso and Foxconn first signaled their intent to work together last August by signing a memorandum of understanding to explore cooperation in zero-emission mobility, with the two electric bus models already at the center of discussions.
Some might wonder: Why partner with Foxconn when Fuso’s parent company already has the successful Mercedes-Benz eCitaro?
It all comes down to speed and localization. Adapting a European-spec bus like the eCitaro for the unique regulatory and infrastructure requirements of the Japanese market is a long, expensive road. With local development, sourcing, production and sales channels, the company will 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.
