Foxconn receives first order for self-driving electric tractors, production to begin in first quarter of next year

Foxconn, the world's largest electronics foundry, announced Tuesday that it will produce self-driving electric tractors for California-based Monarch Tractor at its Ohio facility starting in early 2023.

As US agriculture shifts to smart farming, heavy machinery manufacturers, including Deere & Co and Georgia-based AGCO, are looking to the electric vehicle market. Apparently, Foxconn is also looking to enter this sector.

Known for assembling Apple's iPhone, this is the first manufacturing contract Foxconn has signed since it bought the Ohio plant of electric car startup Lordstown Motors last year. The plant was formerly an assembly plant for General Motors.

Foxconn said it plans to start production of Monarch Tractor's electric MK-V series of tractors in the first quarter of 2023.

Monarch Tractor CEO Praveen Penmetsa said: "The most advanced tractors in the manufacturing world need to be scaled up quickly and executed precisely by experienced manufacturing partners. Foxconn is a leader in EMS and is world renowned for its manufacturing and solutions. We are proud to be working with Foxconn to change the future of agriculture."

Liu Yangwei, Chairman of Foxconn, said, "With Foxconn's manufacturing strength, industry leadership and global supply network, and our new partnership with Monarch Tractor, Foxconn is well positioned and eager to contribute to the continued and future success of Monarch Tractor, its products and its customers. This partnership reflects Foxconn's growing focus on the production of self-driving electric vehicles and the potential that a forward-looking partnership could bring."