You've probably never heard of Foxconn Technology Group, but it's a Taiwanese consumer electronics manufacturer perhaps best known for supplying the world with Apple iPhones; It also makes most of Amazon's Kindles and Nintendo's game consoles.
Without ever producing the popular legend Apple Car, the company has diversified into developing its own electric vehicles under the Foxtron name, and its existing five- or seven-seat Model C SUV is already licensed by the rapidly expanding Taiwanese automotive brand. Luxgen. and identified n7.
While Foxtron isn't exactly interested in becoming a recognized automotive name in its own right, it is interested in selling its designs and platforms to other, perhaps more established, players in the electric vehicle market.
As such, it used its most recent Apple-style Tech Day event to reveal two new models in the Model D and Model U, a naming convention that might make the folks at Tesla look confused.
The Model D is an absolutely massive, angular lifestyle multipurpose utility vehicle (LMUV), measuring 5.1m long (think the size of a Ford Transit van) and almost 2m wide. Inside, there's enough space for seven people to travel, although Foxtron is keen to point out that it can configure its cars to the demands of B2B customers.
The LMUV is powered by a range of 100 to 120 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs, which would have an effective range of around 310 miles to almost 400 miles in the longest range versions.
Designed with aerodynamics at the forefront, it features all types of folds and ducts to improve air flow. Despite its blocky appearance, it was actually written by Pininfarina, the designers behind numerous classic Italian sports cars.
Naturally, Foxtron has also made sure that the interior of its Model D blends well with the technology its sister company makes. There are dedicated charging points for iPhones in the rear, as well as slots for passengers to plug in their own iPads.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Model U is a mid-size electric bus that features the latest in advanced driver assistance systems. Maybe Tesla shouldn't worry too much after all.
Analysis: a Chinese ban could open the door to Taiwan
The purpose of Foxconn Technology Group's Technology Day event was to reveal a series of vehicles that the company says are intended for the North American market.
The Model C, which is already on sale in Taiwan, has seen its design slightly modified for an American audience and could be heading there soon, while the aforementioned Model D will be produced sometime in 2026.
However, it is not known exactly what badge these cars will carry when they finally go on sale to the general public, as Foxconn's Contract Design and Manufacturing Service (CDMS) business model essentially provides the platform, hardware and the software upgradeable to the highest bidder.
But now that the United States and much of Europe are clamping down on imported Chinese electric vehicles, it could be the perfect opportunity for Taiwan to offer the cheapest but most technologically advanced electric vehicle.
Foxtron already has models ready to roll that cover everything from the small B-segment hatchback to a much larger pickup truck. It has also made some major advances in electric vehicle technology.
Battery partnership programs with Pininfarina, ZF, Our Next Energy (ONE) and BMW have generated ultra-high-range LFP packs, with the resulting dual-chemistry Gemini battery capable of powering a BMW iX for 608 miles on a single charge.
Additionally, a relationship with Nvidia, even as it provides servers for AI applications, will likely put it in a favorable position to receive the latest innovations in single-chip architecture needed for software-defined vehicles and those with high levels of autonomous driving capabilities. .
