Foxconn, widely known for assembling Apple’s iPhones, is shifting gears toward the American electric vehicle (EV) market. The company is readying its first U.S.-bound EV—the Foxtron Model C—but plans to sell it under another brand, sticking to its strategy of building the hardware while leaving branding and sales to a third party.
The Taiwanese manufacturing giant recently announced the upcoming release of the Model C in the United States. However, the car won’t bear Foxconn’s name in showrooms. Instead, Foxconn will rely on contract manufacturing—much like how Magna builds the Fisker Ocean—allowing a still-unnamed company to bring the vehicle to market. The hope is that this model performs better than other badge-engineered offerings.
The confirmation comes from Jun Seki, the former Nissan executive now heading Foxconn’s EV division. According to a report from Automotive News, Seki revealed the company’s plans during a conversation at the Taipei Mobility Mega Show.
As reported by Automotive News:
Foxconn already has a U.S. customer lined up, and that client is set to begin selling the Model C sometime this year, Seki said.
Seki did not disclose the name of the customer, staying consistent with Foxconn’s discreet approach to partnerships. The U.S. version of the Model C displayed at Taiwan’s 360° Mobility Mega Show featured eye-catching details like a distinctive side crease, unique hood vent, wraparound lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a large vertical infotainment display.
The company’s foray into auto manufacturing comes as speculation grows that Foxconn could strike a significant alliance with Japanese automakers such as Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi—or a combination of them—to collaborate on future software-driven EVs.
Meanwhile, the Model C is already available in Taiwan under the Luxgen n7 nameplate, showcasing how Foxconn leverages badge engineering for different markets. But amid rising geopolitical pressures and international trade barriers, importing the Taiwanese model directly into the U.S. would be an unlikely move.
Instead, Foxconn has established a foothold in Lordstown, Ohio, by acquiring a former General Motors plant. The site, which once produced models like the Chevy Cavalier and Impala, passed from GM to Lordstown Motors, and then to Foxconn in 2022.
This move into EVs isn’t new for Foxconn. With deep experience in manufacturing electronics, batteries, and motors, the company already produces many of the core components for electric vehicles. That enables a highly efficient path from design to full-scale production, offering timelines that traditional automakers struggle to match.
The identity of the U.S. brand set to market the Model C remains a mystery. Although Foxconn partnered with Mitsubishi to bring its Model B to Australia, no official announcement has been made regarding a similar arrangement in the U.S. What’s confirmed is that Foxconn expects its Ohio facility to churn out up to 500,000 vehicles annually, with plans to build electric farm tractors in addition to cars. For reference, that production capacity would rival that of BMW’s major Spartanburg plant.
As EV production grows increasingly complex and costly, Foxconn’s model could become more appealing. Contract manufacturing may soon offer a practical solution for automakers dealing with tariffs and supply chain issues—potentially making Foxconn a key player in domestic vehicle production in the years ahead.
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Disclaimer: This news article is based on publicly available reports and announcements from industry sources. Any future changes in brand partnerships, production timelines, or market strategies may alter the final outcome.
