Smartphone manufacturer Foxconn also wants to produce electric cars

The Taiwanese company Foxconn Technology Group, a contract manufacturer of smartphones for the American concern Apple and other global brands, presented on Monday plans for the production of electric cars for the world's car manufacturers. It will be a similar contractual model as for smartphones. This is a significant milestone that could strengthen the credibility of the Taiwanese electronics manufacturer as a serious bidder for Apple's secret automotive project. Foxconn unveiled SUVs and sedans at its Technology Day event on Monday. These are concept vehicles that it plans to produce for car customers rather than selling under its own brand. The Model E sedan, developed at the Italian designer house Pininfarina, is set to be launched in 2023, the company said. Model E can accommodate five people and has a range of 750 kilometers on a single charge. Foxconn mentioned the carmaker Fisker and the Taiwanese group Yulong as clients. Taiwan News reported last week that other potential customers included Stellantis, a merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot, but Foxconn did not confirm. Foxconn is the largest manufacturer of iPhone smartphones, which gives it the advantage of a trusted potential partner for Apple, which is considering expanding production with cars. As part of its move to automotive manufacturing at the end of September, Foxconn approved an investment of $ 280 million (€ 241.38 million) in the purchase of a car plant in Ohio from startup Lordstown Motors. Foxconn Technology Group wants to manufacture cars and buses for brands in China, North America, Europe and other markets, and clients can change their appearance and features.