Foxconn has expressed interest in collaborating with Nissan but is not currently engaged with the Japanese automaker, according to its Chief Strategy Officer for Electric Vehicles, Jun Seki. Speaking to Nikkei ahead of a seminar in Tokyo today, Seki said a collaboration with Nissan would be a strategic advantage for the company, which has been expanding its business in the EV sector. It should be noted that he himself was a former senior executive with the Japanese automaker before presuming his current role at Foxconn.
Seki commented on the possibility of broader partnerships, stating that it would be a “great idea” for Foxconn to be part of a potential alliance involving Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. He also confirmed that Foxconn is finalising a deal to supply Mitsubishi with electric vehicles. While it is indicated that the company would consider taking a stake in Nissan, Seki reiterated that the company’s primary objective remains cooperation.
Earlier this year, Nikkei reported that Foxconn had proposed a partnership with Honda following the collapse of Honda-Nissan merger talks. The proposal included the eventual formation of the aforementioned four-way collaboration with the three Japanese carmakers. Although no formal agreement has been reached, the Taiwanese chipmaker’s approach suggests a broader strategy to build partnerships within Japan’s automotive industry.
Meanwhile, Nissan’s new CEO Ivan Espinosa has revealed that he is open to collaborating with Honda or other partners, provided that they help drive the vision of the business. Espinosa assumed the role earlier this month, taking over former CEO Makoto Uchida who announced his departure from the company in March.
(Source: Reuters)
