Foxconn Unveils Three Reference Vehicle Models
The contract manufacturer showed off a B-segment SUV, a youth model and a light truck built on its open platform.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Car Types
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Foxconn unveiled three reference vehicle models, MODEL A+, MODEL K+ and MODEL K, built on its open platform. The reference trio spans a B-segment SUV, a youth-oriented model and a light commercial truck aimed at the Japanese market.
Why it matters
The reference models are designed to show prospective automaker clients what platform-based manufacturing can deliver. The announcement comes alongside a move into Japanese auto parts, as traditional suppliers retreat under electrification pressure.
The Mitsubishi Electric Mobility stake is valued at 115 billion yen, about 5.4 billion yuan, and Mitsubishi Electric expects a book loss of roughly 100 billion yen on the sale. Foxconn has not secured large-scale production orders, and the reference models are the third batch since the platform launched in 2021.
The players
Foxconn (Hon Hai Technology Group)
Taiwan-based electronics contract manufacturer that has pursued platform-based vehicle manufacturing and counts Lotus among its contract-manufacturing clients.
Mitsubishi Electric Mobility
Automotive electrical equipment and powertrain component supplier whose stake is being sold to Foxconn's investment arm.
Lin Yin
Foxconn's investment arm that agreed to acquire a 50% stake in Mitsubishi Electric Mobility.
The details
Foxconn's investment arm Lin Yin agreed to acquire a 50% stake in Mitsubishi Electric Mobility, which specializes in automotive electrical equipment and powertrain components. All three reference models ride on Foxconn's open platform, which lets automaker clients tailor exterior design, powertrain and interior. Foxconn Chairman Young-Way Liu has said the group has no ambition to launch its own car brand.
Timeline
2021: Foxconn's MIH open platform launched.
November 4, 2026: Reference models unveiled and the acquisition announced.
October 2027: Mitsubishi Electric Mobility stake sale slated to close.
Roadmap
Foxconn's third batch of reference models since its MIH open platform launched in 2021 extends a strategy of selling platform-based manufacturing to automakers rather than building its own brand. The move mirrors traditional Japanese parts suppliers stepping back under electrification pressure, as Mitsubishi Electric divests its mobility unit.
For drivers, the reference models signal that future vehicles from automaker clients may share a common platform across B-segment SUVs and light trucks. Buyers will not see these specific models on dealer lots, as Foxconn has not announced production orders for them.
The takeaway
Platform-based manufacturing could let automakers launch varied vehicles on shared hardware, lowering development costs. Watch whether Foxconn converts these reference designs into real production contracts.
What happens next
The Mitsubishi Electric Mobility stake sale is slated to close in October 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Car Types to see how vehicle platforms compare across segments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gasgoo.
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