Foxconn debuts e-cars, plans vehicle software
The cars presented are an SUV called Model C, a sedan called Model E and a small bus with the type designation T. With the presentation of the vehicles, Hon Hai – the parent company of Foxconn – is continuing its strategy announced a year ago of working its way up along the automotive food chain with its own expertise. The company has sunk around €300 million into the development of the vehicles.
The company did not reveal too much about the technology – only that the SUV shines with a minimalist exterior, developed together with the Italian design firm Pininfarina, and has a remarkable range of 750 km. The acceleration – if you want to use it – is also interesting: with 2.8 seconds to reach 100 kph, the car can almost compete with Formula 1. According to analyst reports, the model range is apparently based on that of Tesla.
When it comes to software, Foxconn also wants to establish itself from the role of a contract-based supplier. The company announced that it will set up a software development centre that will employ around 1500 software experts across the group. To this end, the company plans to hire about 1000 software developers over the next three years. The goal is to develop an open software platform for vehicles. This platform will be further developed and expanded over time.
To build and market the cars, Foxconn is now looking for partners in China, but also North America and Europe. Customers could customise the look and features of the cars according to their own ideas, said Young Liu, chairman of Hon Hai Group, at the presentation of the vehicles.
For the production of electric cars, Foxconn had already founded a joint venture with the Taiwanese company Yulon Motor some time ago. One of these partners is already the electric car manufacturer Fisker. According to media reports, Foxconn is also in talks with Stellantis. Foxcnn is already developing digital cockpits with this company.
Related articles:
Foxconn teams for graphene fast charging battery
Car maker starts satellite production
Foxconn opens new perspective for stumbling e-car start-up Byton
European Commission clears Geely, Foxconn joint venture
Nidec, Foxtron plan e-drive JV
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
