Episode 38: Foxconn’s Real Entry into Japan: Why Mitsubishi FUSO Matters More Than Nissan

For more than a year, headlines suggested that Foxconn’s breakthrough into Japan’s auto industry would come through Nissan. But the real entry point wasn’t a passenger-car giant. It was Mitsubishi FUSO. In this episode of Taiwan Tech Dispatch, we explore why Foxconn’s 50–50 joint venture with Mitsubishi FUSO — focused on electric buses — may be far more strategically significant than most observers realize. This isn’t another MOU. This isn’t exploratory dialogue. This is real EV production inside a Japanese factory. We break down: • Why passenger-car negotiations in Japan stalled • How BYD’s pricing pressure reshaped the commercial vehicle market • Why Mitsubishi FUSO needed Foxconn’s EV platform and capital • How this JV changes Foxconn’s bargaining power with Nissan • And what this means for Japan’s long-term EV transition Japan’s EV door didn’t open where everyone expected. But it opened exactly where Foxconn needed it. If you’re interested in Taiwan’s role in global manufacturing, EV supply chains, and Asia’s shifting industrial balance, this episode is for you. 👉 For deeper structural analysis, subscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter: Taiwan Tech Dispatch https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/taiwan-tech-dispatch-7355532535025586178 I share behind-the-scenes insights on Taiwan’s technology ecosystem and global strategy every week. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn