iPhone assembler looks into saving Nissan’s Oppama factory

The Nissan Oppama industrial complex in Yokosuka, Japan is facing a shutdown due to the dire financial situation of Nissan. According to Nikkei quoting unofficial sources, Taiwan-based semiconductor company Foxconn is considering a buyout to keep the factory up and running.

Nissan Motor has already responded, calling the publication “not based on any official commentary” but not denying it, either.

Foxconn Technology Group is a famous contractor for Apple, responsible for the production of its phones and other devices. Four years ago, it announced an intention to try its luck in the automotive business. It introduced its own car brand called Foxtron and unveiled multiple prototypes, but emphasized that it was mainly looking to deliver technology solutions to third parties.

In 2024, reports came in that Foxconn intended to build small experimental factories in China to try assembling its own EVs and solid-state batteries. In doing so, the company would gain a technology showcase to demonstrate to any potential investors and buyers. In March, it was announced that Foxconn was ready to sign agreements on contractual EV production with two Japanese brands, Nissan included.

The Nissan Oppama factory has been running since 1961. As of last fall, including the adjacent research center, test grounds and sea port, the industrial complex employed around 3,900 workers. It played a key role in the company’s push towards electrification, being the first site to start the production of the Leaf EV and also the first to mass-produce plug-in hybrids based on the e-Power powertrain. Currently, the assembly lines there churn out Nissan Note and Note Aura, but they may stop soon unless a relief is found.