Foxconn, the company known for building iPhones, is set to make a splash in the American EV market with the launch of its U.S.-spec Model C. However, the vehicle will not bear the Foxconn brand but will instead be sold under a different brand through contract manufacturing. Production of the Model C is expected to take place at the former Lordstown Motors factory in Ohio.
Jun Seki, the former Nissan executive who now heads Foxconn’s EV unit, revealed the company’s plans to launch the Model C in the U.S. under a different automaker’s brand. While the specific brand has not been disclosed yet, Seki hinted at the unique design features of the Model C, including a wavy side crease, funky hood air vent, wraparound headlamps, panoramic sunroof, and a large vertical infotainment screen.
The Model C is already available in other markets under the Luxgen n7 badge. To avoid import tariffs and geopolitical tensions, Foxconn has decided to manufacture the Model C in the U.S. at the Lordstown plant. This plant, previously owned by General Motors and later Lordstown Motors, was acquired by Foxconn in 2022.
Foxconn’s entry into the EV market is not surprising given its expertise in supply chain management, particularly in batteries, electronics, and EV motors. The company’s manufacturing capabilities allow for rapid production, positioning it as an attractive partner for OEMs looking to enter the EV space.
While the brand under which the Model C will be sold in the U.S. has not been revealed, Foxconn has previously partnered with Mitsubishi for sales in Australia. The company’s Ohio plant has the capacity to produce nearly half a million vehicles annually, making it a significant player in the American automotive industry.
As EV production becomes more complex and costly, contract manufacturing with companies like Foxconn could offer OEMs a viable solution. With Foxconn’s capabilities and the growing trend of domestic production, other automakers may consider similar partnerships in the future.