As Nissan battles restructuring pressures, Foxconn may step in to build EVs at its Japan plant, offering a lifeline to jobs and local production.
Japanese automaker Nissan is reportedly exploring an agreement with Taiwan’s Foxconn to produce electric vehicles (EVs) at its Oppama facility, a move that could safeguard the future of the ageing plant amid sweeping global restructuring efforts.
According to a Reuters report, early-stage talks are underway between the two companies, with Foxconn looking to expand its presence in electric mobility and Nissan seeking ways to avoid shutting the site.
The Oppama plant, located in Yokosuka near Tokyo, employs nearly 3900 workers and has long served as a cornerstone of Nissan’s domestic manufacturing.
In May, Nissan announced a major turnaround strategy involving the closure of several global sites—up to seven out of 17 plants—and a 15% reduction in workforce, as part of efforts to revive profitability.
The Oppama facility was identified as one of the locations under review for potential closure.
By opening its doors to Foxconn, a major player in consumer electronics and a growing force in the EV space, the report states that Nissan could reduce the financial burden of maintaining the plant while preserving local jobs and supplier ties.
The arrangement would allow Foxconn to manufacture its own EVs at the site.
While Nissan has not confirmed the specifics of the discussions, the company stated that recent media reports do not reflect official information. Foxconn has not yet commented on the matter.
Adding to speculation, Japanese news outlet Kyodo News reported that Foxconn may be weighing the acquisition of part of the Oppama facility.
This potential partnership follows Foxconn’s recent deal with Mitsubishi Motors—Nissan’s alliance partner—which signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to source an EV model from a Foxconn subsidiary.
If finalised, the collaboration could represent a significant shift in Japanese automotive manufacturing, highlighting the growing influence of tech firms in the global EV transition.
