Having recognised a growing need for affordable, functional vehicles in South Africa, Foton recently entered the market with 3 of its commercial vehicle models: a Panel Van, a Taxi, as well as the newly launched THUNDA bakkie which will see Foton crossing over from the commercial into the personal vehicle (lifestyle) market as well. Not surprisingly, Foton has already been received well by those in the know. But the question now is: does the everyday consumer know who FOTON is? Is it a brand to be trusted?
Here are ten good reasons why we believe Foton is right up there with S.A’s leading vehicle brands:
- It’s vehicles are affordable and functional
- It’s backed by McCarthy, part of the Bidvest Group
- and Imperial Group
- It’s the world’s 2nd largest commercial vehicles manufacturer
- It’s represented in over 90 countries worldwide
- It offers a standard 3 year / 100,000km Warranty
- Plus a Nationwide Dealer and Service Network
- Vehicle parts are affordable and available
- Standard 3 year Roadside assistance
- Service Plans Available
International
Since its foundation, FOTON has always been adhering to the idea of human-oriented technology and independent technological innovation to keep pace with the world's technology. With rational utilization of financial, human and intellectual resources, we have integrated the world's advanced management and technical resources to create and share with our customers the valuable achievements brought by the global human technology.
We keep challenging our creativity in FOTON, and have never stopped exploring the future while offering our customers high-quality products and services. In the process of promoting business development, we also stick to the strategy of sustainable development. We will work together with you to create a better future with cleaner living space, making everyone in the world proud of having a car with the diamond logo.
Joint ventures
In January 2009, Foton and Daimler signed a cooperation agreement which eventually became a CNY 6.35 billion joint venture by July 2009. This agreement has significantly improved Foton’s production capacity for heavy-duty trucks.
In June 2009, Foton and Cummins Engine Co., Ltd signed a CNY 2.7 billion joint venture agreement to set up a factory with an annual production capacity of 400,000 engines. It will be one of the largest light-duty engine manufacturing facilities in China. Foton light commercial vehicles will be equipped with one of the best engines in the world in terms of emission reduction and performance.
Foton is cooperating with overseas partners on a number of other projects, too. Such partners include Lotus, Bosch, AVL, Eaton, Visteon and Motorola.
Research and Development & New Energy Vehicles
Foton has set up a world-class research center for alternative energies. It focuses on technologies for hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles and high-efficiency engines. It has already produced outstanding results. Foton is now the leader in China for alternative-energy commercial vehicles. New energy vehicle sales reached 2,000 units in 2010. These units were sold directly to municipalities and individuals, or used in sustainable transportation projects around the world. New energy products include hybrid and pure electric city buses, pure electric road sweepers and pure electric taxis.
There are 3,500 researchers working in Foton’s 9 research centers. The surface areas of those facilities will more than double in the near future. Foton Core Research Centre has experienced tremendous successes. Foton holds hundreds of design and invention patents. Each of Foton’s vehicle series have been upgraded as a result of such research with passenger vehicles having benefited the most.
Foton now plans to set up R&D centers in Europe and Japan. This will help it increase its innovation capacity in the fields of manufacturing, electronic control and hydraulic technologies. Foton plans to create more research units in the future which reflect innovation needs in overseas markets.