Mitsubishi Partners with iPhone Manufacturer for New EV
Mitsubishi's vehicle lineup has seen various iterations globally, often incorporating designs from its alliance partners. While some collaborations, like the Mitsubishi Outlander, involve significant re-engineering, others, such as the new Eclipse Sportback EV, share close resemblances with existing models like the Nissan Leaf. This strategy continues with their latest electric offering, demonstrating a focus on collaborative development for new markets.
The upcoming Mitsubishi ASX VR-e is a prominent example of this partnership approach, drawing its foundation from the Foxtron Bria, a stylish compact crossover. This vehicle, designed by Pininfarina, is a product of Foxtron, a joint venture between Taiwanese car manufacturer Yulon and the technology giant Foxconn, widely recognized for manufacturing Apple's iPhone. Mitsubishi's decision to partner with Foxtron emerged after previous discussions between Foxtron and Nissan did not materialize, leading to a memorandum of understanding in 2025 for the ASX VR-e's introduction to Australia and New Zealand by late 2026.
In terms of specifications, the ASX VR-e is anticipated to mirror the Foxtron Bria's performance capabilities. The base rear-wheel-drive Bria model boasts 229 horsepower, achieving 0-62 mph in 6.8 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive variant offers a more robust 400 horsepower and a 0-62 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds. Both versions feature a 57.7 kWh battery, providing an estimated range of 320 miles for the RWD and 290 miles for the AWD. Although Foxtron had previously explored entering the U.S. market, these plans were put on hold due to tariff concerns, making the ASX VR-e's availability primarily focused on the Oceania region.
This venture highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where strategic alliances and technological cross-pollination are becoming increasingly vital. Mitsubishi's re-entry into the Australian EV market with the ASX VR-e, following the i-MiEV's discontinuation, signifies a proactive step towards embracing electric mobility in a competitive environment. The collaboration with a technology leader like Foxconn through Foxtron underscores the potential for innovation and efficiency when diverse industries converge, ultimately benefiting consumers with advanced and thoughtfully designed vehicles.