Nissan–Foxconn Collaboration: A New Axis in Asia’s EV Future and a Strategic Opening for India
- Peeush Srivastava
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
New Delhi. July 11, 2025
In a move poised to redefine the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing landscape in Asia, Japanese auto giant Nissan Motor and Taiwan’s Foxconn are in advanced talks to jointly operate Nissan’s Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Japan. The proposed collaboration is more than a regional manufacturing agreement—it holds strategic significance for India, signaling new openings in EV supply chains, technology partnerships, and cross-border investment flows.
As Nissan contemplates repurposing some of its Japanese facilities, including the historically significant Oppama plant, the possibility of Foxconn stepping in as a co-producer or partner breathes new life into the region’s auto ecosystem. For India, this represents a unique opportunity to integrate more deeply into a pan-Asian EV supply chain—shaping not only the regional trajectory but its own domestic growth story.
The Foxconn–Nissan Collaboration: An Overview
Foxconn, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, globally recognized for assembling Apple’s iPhones, has recently made aggressive forays into the EV sector. With advanced R&D in batteries, vehicle software, and power electronics, Foxconn is investing heavily to become a dominant player in the EV value chain.
The Oppama plant, currently operating at just 40% capacity, was previously under threat of closure. This plant—home to nearly 4,000 employees—has produced iconic models like the Nissan Leaf and hybrid variants of the Note series.
Foxconn’s entry may lead to:
Joint production of compact EVs, leveraging existing infrastructure.
A revival of Tier-1 suppliers in Kanagawa, one of Japan’s largest automotive supply clusters.
Infusion of next-gen tech R&D, echoing Foxconn’s model in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
India’s Role in the Emerging Asia EV Triangle
While this story plays out in Japan and Taiwan, India emerges as the third critical vertex in what could be a transformative Asia EV triangle.
India as a Strategic Manufacturing Partner
Foxconn already has a significant presence in India with large-scale facilities in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. If integrated with the Nissan collaboration, this could lead to:
Localized EV components for Japan and Southeast Asian markets.
Shared vehicle platforms—designed in Japan, assembled in India.
Expansion of EV exports through India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
Boost for India’s Auto Components Sector
India’s robust MSME ecosystem across Chennai, Pune, Manesar, and Sanand can offer cost-effective, globally compliant solutions to this trilateral collaboration:
Parts manufacturers can supply to both Nissan and Foxconn networks.
Exposure to global battery and materials innovation standards.
Technology Transfer and Skilling Integration into this supply chain unlocks:
Joint R&D with Indian institutions like IITs, NATRiP, and automotive testing centers.
Upgrading India’s workforce in battery tech, AI mobility systems, and embedded vehicle electronics.
Expert Perspectives: India Must Act Now
Rajiv Tikoo, Senior Editorial Consultant and a well-regarded voice on sustainability, highlighted the strategic significance of the Nissan-Foxconn collaboration at the Oppama plant. A champion of green innovation and host of the widely followed Sustainability Karma Podcast on All India Radio, Tikoo remarked, “The Nissan-Foxconn tie-up at the Oppama plant is more than an industrial collaboration—it represents a forward-looking template for sustainable transformation in manufacturing.”
He further emphasized the implications for India, stating, “For India, this signals a timely strategic opportunity to integrate with global green mobility goals—by embedding itself in next-generation EV supply chains, accelerating battery innovation, and championing climate-resilient industrial growth.”
Manish Kumar Jha, Senior Editor and Foreign Affairs commentator at Sansad TV and Op-Ed contributor to The Times of India, offered deep insight into the broader implications: “A global rejig will be pivotal for the EV supply chain with Foxconn's next-generation inputs in developing advanced technologies. Beyond diversifying crucial supply chains, this consolidation will unlock sustainable production and packaging models in the EV segment.”
He added: “India is poised to gain significantly from this alignment, especially with favorable policy thrusts already in place.”
Strategic Alignment with India’s Policy Landscape
This evolving trilateral EV ecosystem dovetails with India’s core national priorities:
Make in India: Leveraging cost-competitive manufacturing for global EV platforms.
Act East Policy: Strengthening supply chain and investment links with Japan and Taiwan.
India–Japan Industrial Partnership: Building on infrastructure collaboration to include clean mobility and smart manufacturing.
India should actively position itself as:
A preferred supplier and assembly hub.
A policy lab for battery tech innovation.
A testing ground for lightweight EV prototypes and next-gen urban mobility platforms.
A Template for the Future: From Yokosuka to Chennai
This emerging partnership between Nissan and Foxconn isn’t just about saving a factory—it’s about redesigning the map of EV innovation and supply in Asia.
For India, the writing is on the wall:
Engage now or fall behind.
Collaborate smartly across design, R&D, and manufacturing.
Position Indian firms at the heart of the new EV order.
Final Reflection: India at the Table of EV Leadership
As the $5 trillion economy target edges closer, India must look beyond isolated policy levers. This Nissan–Foxconn story offers a model of convergence—where design (Japan), assembly (Taiwan), and scale (India) intersect.
From component exports and platform design to battery production and skilled labor, India must not just participate but lead. Because the future of EVs is being shaped in Yokosuka, Kaohsiung, and Delhi NCR—and India must be at that table.
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