Nissan Motor is reportedly in discussions with Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn over a potential electric vehicle (EV) collaboration that could help prevent the closure of its Oppose manufacturing plant in Japan, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.
Citing an unnamed Nissan source, the report suggests that Nissan may consider using its idle assembly lines at the Oppama plant to produce Foxconn-branded EVs. The move could help preserve around 3,900 jobs and sustain the surrounding supplier ecosystem, as the Japanese automaker continues with its restructuring efforts.
The Oppama facility, once a major production hub for Nissan’s compact cars, has been under review as a potential site for consolidation amid cost-cutting pressures. However, a tie-up with Foxconn could offer a lifeline for the plant by pivoting it towards EV manufacturing—a key focus area for both companies.
Nissan, in a statement, clarified that the Nikkei report was not based on any official company communication. Foxconn has not issued a comment on the matter so far.
The development follows a recent agreement in May where Mitsubishi Motors, a junior alliance partner of Nissan, signed a memorandum of understanding with a Foxconn subsidiary to develop an EV model. Foxconn, best known for assembling Apple products, has been aggressively expanding into the electric mobility space through multiple partnerships and its own vehicle platforms.
While no official confirmation has been made, a potential Nissan-Foxconn collaboration could mark a significant shift in Japan’s EV manufacturing landscape.
