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Fuso, Hon Hai sign electric bus partnership

Companies to co-develop range of buses based on Foxtron’s Model T, Model U platforms.

Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Taiwan’s electronics giant Hon Hai Technology Group to “explore strategic collaboration” in the zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) segment, with the aim of accelerating their expansion in the global “clean mobility” sector.

MFTBC, through its Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing Company (MFBM) subsidiary, said it will explore opportunities to collaborate with Hon Hai’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) unit, Foxtron Vehicle Technologies Company, for the development, production, supply chain management, and sales of battery-powered buses based on the Taiwanese company’s Model T and Model U platforms.

These platforms are based on Foxtron’sMIH (Mobility in Harmony) modular battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, which is designed to provide global automakers with a fast, low-cost entry strategy into the BEV segment, backed by a ready-made component supply chain.

Earlier this year, Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors Corporation signed an agreement to use the MIH platform for a forthcoming BEV model, while Nissan Motor Company is also understood to be in talks to adopt the platform for a passenger vehicle model to be produced in Japan.

MFTBC stated that the companies “will use the MoU as a starting point to investigate future business models aimed at strengthening the Fuso brand and developing new, made-in-Japan buses. Through this initiative, the companies will provide products that meet a wide range of needs in the rapidly evolving bus market, and achieve sustainable business growth.”

The Japanese company confirmed that “MFBM will serve as the operational platform for the development, production, and commercialization of buses in targeted markets, including exploring the introduction of made-in-Japan ICE and ZEV buses into target markets.”

The full-size Model T bus, launched in 2021, is already operating commercially as part of the public transit systems in Taiwan’s main cities. The Model U electric bus was unveiled in October last year.