Electric Mitsubishi Model B SUV looming
Compact state-of-the-art SUV to be low in cost, high in quality, and could replace the new Captur-based ASXTaiwanese electronics giant Foxconn will develop and build an all-new battery-powered compact SUV, with the model slated to reach Australian dealerships in the first half of 2026.
Better known as the manufacturer of Apple’s iPhone, Foxconn confirmed the 2026 Australian arrival of its Model B in a recent press conference. It formed part of a wider announcement that it would roll out seven battery-electric cars and buses in coming years, under its Hon Hai Precision Industry Company banner.
It is thought that Foxconn is building the Model B on behalf of Mitsubishi, although the Japanese car brand has neither confirmed nor denied the move.
If it proves to be the case, it could quickly deliver Mitsubishi Australia some much-needed credits under the new NVES carbon reduction scheme.
Confirming it has the toolbox to design and assemble a full range of EVs in different regions of the world, the contract manufacturer said it will individually tailor each model to each customer’s requirements.
The company has announced plans for a Model B compact SUV-coupe, Model C mid-size SUV, Model D people-mover, Model E mid-size SUV-coupe, Model A small cargo van, Model T large bus and Model U minibus.
All will benefit from Foxconn’s low-cost, high-quality manufacturing and cutting-edge technology, says the electronics giant.
First to arrive in the US in the fourth quarter of 2025 is the Model C. It entered production back in late 2023 and is already sold as the Luxgen N7.
Next, in the first half of 2026, is the Model B compact SUV that is reportedly being built for Mitsubishi. Badged at the press conference as Foxtron, it could launch first in Australia as a potential battery-electric replacement for the new Captur-based Mitsubishi ASX.
It’s thought the EVs will share architecture and components to spread the high cost of their development.
Foxconn hasn’t released any information on the Model B but it has detailed its larger Tesla Model Y rival, the Model C.
According to Foxconn, the Model C mid-size SUV will come with the choice of either a 58kWh battery that will see it deliver a 500km range (NEDC), or a larger 83kWh powerpack that will see it cover up to 700km on a charge.
Rear-wheel-drive Model Cs bag a single e-motor that produces 172kW and 340Nm, while the flagship all-wheel-drive variant knocks out 344kW and 680Nm to sprint to 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
Advanced tech includes active air suspension as well as software and hardware developed in-house by Foxconn.
The tie-up with Mitsubishi could be telling, with many analysts suggesting further deals with Nissan and even Honda could be on the cards as the Taiwanese tech giant chases the volume needed to make its new car division profitable.
What Foxconn won’t do, however, is launch its own brand.
Instead, it prefers to build cars for multiple car-makers, and for that to be possible it doesn’t want to own a car brand that will compete directly with its potential future clients.
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