Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has announced plans to establish a standalone bus company in partnership with Hon Hai Technology Group, better known globally as Foxconn. The new venture marks the next step in the two companies’ growing collaboration, which was first outlined in a memorandum of understanding focused on zero-emission mobility.
The new bus-focused OEM will be led by Katsuto Kora, currently Director and Head of FUSO BUS at MFTBC, who has been appointed CEO. Through their respective subsidiaries—Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (MFBM) and Foxtron Vehicle Technologies—MFTBC and Foxconn will jointly develop, produce, and sell zero-emission buses, starting with Foxtron’s MODEL T and MODEL U platforms.
The newly formed company aims to meet rising demand for high-quality public transportation by accelerating the development of competitive zero-emission buses, while continuing to refine its existing diesel lineup. Bus development and manufacturing will take place at the Toyama plant under the FUSO brand, which carries more than 90 years of commercial vehicle heritage. The company will be headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan.
As a dedicated bus OEM, the venture will focus on rapidly developing and launching electric buses for both domestic and global markets, while maintaining improvements to its internal combustion engine portfolio. With localized development, sourcing, production, and sales operations, the company is positioned to meet Japan’s strict regulatory, quality, and customer requirements. Foxconn’s expertise in zero-emission vehicle technology, electronics, and global partnerships will further support the competitiveness of the products in Japan and overseas.
“By combining FUSO and Foxconn’s extensive experience and technological know-how, we will offer customers state-of-the-art solutions for public transport, thereby contributing to society both in Japan and abroad.”
Foxconn Chief Strategy Officer for EVs Jun Seki emphasized mobility as a strategic priority for the company, noting, “Mobility is a strategic priority for Foxconn. This collaboration with MFTBC will provide a comprehensive electrification solution for Japan’s transportation ecosystem. This approach will significantly shorten development cycles and enhance cost-efficiency.”
Incoming CEO Katsuto Kora highlighted the cultural and technological synergy behind the new venture, saying it blends Japan’s manufacturing excellence with Foxconn’s speed and innovation, stating, “The new joint venture will integrate the corporate cultures of both companies, blending Japan’s spirit of manufacturing excellence with Foxconn’s agility and technological prowess. Given the extensive existing partnerships of both shareholders, we expect even broader collaboration opportunities in the field of future technologies in the years to come.”
With definitive agreements now signed, MFTBC and Foxconn aim to complete the transaction in the second half of 2026. While we wait for more developments on this partnership, consider taking a look at Fuso’s truck lineup in the Philippines at TruckDeal.com.ph.
