WSJ Tech News Briefing – Tech Minute: Daimler Truck’s Japan Unit and Foxconn to Set Up Electric Bus Maker

Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Julie Chang
Podcast: WSJ Tech News Briefing

Overview

This Tech Minute episode delivers a quick roundup of major tech and business developments for the day. Featured stories include:

• The formation of a new electric bus company in Japan by Foxconn and Mitsubishi Fuso (a Daimler Truck Holdings unit)
• Ubisoft’s dramatic restructuring and market shock
• Elon Musk’s late addition to the World Economic Forum lineup amid ongoing controversy

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Foxconn and Mitsubishi Fuso’s Electric Bus Venture

[00:37–01:14]

• Announcement:
  Foxconn and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus (Daimler Truck Holdings' Japan unit) will establish a new electric bus company in the second half of 2026.
• Purpose:
  The company aims to develop and sell electric buses in Japan and internationally.
• Collaboration Details:
  • Fuso brings its expertise in design, development, and manufacturing of buses.
  • Foxconn contributes its zero emission vehicle technology and global presence.
• Pending Approvals:
  The project awaits shareholder and regulatory sign-off.
• Background Context:
  “Foxconn, which is best known for assembling Apple's iPhones, has been diversifying its business lines in recent years.”
  – Julie Chang [01:09]

2. Ubisoft’s Structural Overhaul and Market Fallout

[01:14–01:44]

• Market Reaction:
  Ubisoft stock plunged over 30% in Paris following major announcements.
• Company Changes:
  • Structural overhaul: shifting to a new organizational structure centered on five creative houses, effective April.
  • Discontinuation of several games.
  • Revised financial targets: Guidance for fiscal 2026 net bookings lowered to €1.5 billion, and the company expects a €1 billion operating loss.
• Memorable Quote:
  “As we told you yesterday, the French video game group said it would set up a new structure... and expects a 1 billion euro operating loss.”
  – Julie Chang [01:29]

3. Elon Musk at the World Economic Forum (WEF)

[01:44–02:12]

• Surprise Appearance:
  Elon Musk added late to the WEF agenda, scheduled for an interview with WEF Chair and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink at 10:30 AM Eastern.
• Context:
  • Musk has been highly critical of European politics and supportive of right-wing movements.
  • His appearance comes amid an online dispute (“flame war”) with Ryanair’s CEO.
• Quote:
  “Musk has been a major critic of European politics and a supporter of right wing movements in the region. His appearance coincides with an ongoing online flame war with the CEO of Europe's largest airline, Ryanair.”
  – Julie Chang [01:58–02:12]

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• “Foxconn, which is best known for assembling Apple's iPhones, has been diversifying its business lines in recent years.”
  — Julie Chang [01:09]
• “Ubisoft lowered its fiscal 2026 net bookings guidance to 1.5 billion euros and expects a 1 billion euro operating loss.”
  — Julie Chang [01:38]
• “Musk has been a major critic of European politics and a supporter of right wing movements in the region. His appearance coincides with an ongoing online flame war with the CEO of Europe's largest airline, Ryanair.”
  — Julie Chang [01:58–02:12]

Key Timestamps

• [00:37] – Start of today’s tech headlines with Julie Chang
• [00:41–01:14] – Details on Foxconn and Mitsubishi Fuso’s electric bus collaboration
• [01:14–01:44] – Ubisoft’s restructuring, guidance cut, and shares tumble
• [01:44–02:12] – Elon Musk added to WEF, context on his recent criticisms and controversies

For more updates, tune in to the next episode.