Kawasaki, Japan – Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, and Hon Hai Technology Group, commonly known as Foxconn, have formally established a joint venture to develop and manufacture electric buses in Japan. The partnership, announced on January 22, 2026, aims to create competitive, zero-emission buses initially targeted for the Japanese market, with operations slated to begin in the second half of 2026.
The new company will operate as an independent bus original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and will be headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan. Katsuto Kora, currently head of Fuso’s bus division, has been appointed CEO of the joint venture. The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing and Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, Foxconn’s subsidiary, to integrate expertise across the entire value chain – from research and development to production, supply chain management, and distribution.
The initial product lineup will feature the Model T and Model U electric buses, both previously developed by Foxtron. The Model T, unveiled in 2021, is a 12-meter city bus currently in service in Taiwan, including the capital Taipei, and Indonesia, offering a range of up to 400 kilometers. The Model U, a microbus presented in October 2024, boasts a modular and luxurious interior design capable of accommodating up to 21 passengers.
According to a statement released by Daimler Truck, the partnership represents a strategic move to accelerate the transformation of Fuso’s bus business. “We are pleased to collaborate with Foxconn,” said Karl Deppen, CEO of Fuso. “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 advanced public transportation solutions to our customers and contribute to the well-being of society in Japan and around the world.”
Jun Seki, head of Foxconn’s electric vehicle strategy, added that mobility is a key strategic direction for the company. “This collaboration with Mitsubishi Fuso will create a comprehensive electrification solution for the Japanese transportation system. This approach will significantly shorten development cycles and improve cost-effectiveness.”
The formation of the joint venture follows a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2025, outlining plans for collaboration on zero-emission vehicles. The move addresses a specific need for localized development and production tailored to the Japanese market. While Daimler Truck’s Mercedes-Benz eCitaro platform is successful in Europe, adapting it to meet Japan’s unique regulatory requirements, infrastructure, and customer preferences would be a lengthy and costly undertaking. Establishing a domestic development, supply, and manufacturing base allows for a more streamlined and responsive approach.
Foxconn’s expertise in zero-emission vehicle technology, coupled with its high-tech capabilities and global network of partners, is expected to further bolster the success of the joint venture, both within Japan and potentially in international markets. The companies have not yet announced specific timelines or plans for expansion beyond the initial focus on the Japanese market.
