(Yicai) Oct. 9 -- Foxconn Technology Group, a Chinese contract electronics manufacturer best known as a supplier of iPhones, released two new electric vehicle models yesterday to add to its rapidly growing portfolio. The North American version of its sports utility vehicle, the Model C, which has been specially built for a US partner, will start mass production at the end of next year, it said.

The Model D, a giant multi-purpose SUV that is 5.1 meters long and has a wheelbase of 3.2 meters, went on show at Foxconn’s latest Technology Day event. Built by Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, Foxconn’s joint venture with Yulong Motor, it was designed together with Italian car design firm Pininfarina.

And the Model U is a medium-sized electric bus that can drive down narrow urban lanes and through remote areas. It is equipped with self-driving functions such as an advanced driver assistance system, and when fully loaded with 20 passengers has a maximum range of 275 kilometers.

"Foxconn will roll out more new electric vehicles this year to enrich our amazing EV portfolio,” said Chairman Young Liu. The Taipei-based company already has the sedan Model E, electric bus Model T, sedan Model B, pickup Model V and electric truck Model N on the market

“These autos demonstrate the breadth and maturity of Foxconn in the automotive field. The electric cars we launch with our B2B customers can stand up to the tests of durability, safety and reliability," Liu said.

"Foxconn provides partners with customizable vehicles, allowing customers to choose their favorite reference designs to customize their cars,” said General Manager Li Pingyan. “This contract design and manufacturing service model is proving to be very successful."

"As a leading global electronics manufacturer, Foxconn owns manufacturing capabilities that it has accumulated over many years,” Taipei-based Foxconn said. “In the future, these technologies will be applied to the electric vehicle industry and new energy fields, and the firm will expand clean energy supply chain localization and vertical integration with leading industry players."

Editor: Kim Taylor