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A New Era for FOTON at IAA Hannover

As the international commercial vehicle industry approaches a pivotal moment, FOTON is set to showcase its robust global expansion strategy at the upcoming IAA Transportation event in Hannover on September 14. The company has experienced significant transformations, with a focus on electrification, intelligence, and low-carbon solutions driving the changes in the market landscape. The European market, characterized by strict access regulations, a mature business environment, and diverse transportation scenarios, serves as a prime testbed for evaluating the competitiveness of commercial vehicle manufacturers.

Having firmly established its position in the international markets for over twenty years, FOTON has led Chinese commercial vehicle exports for 15 consecutive years. This success marks the company’s evolution from a product-centric expansion phase to a more comprehensive Globalization 3.0 strategy, emphasizing long-term value creation rather than mere volume. FOTON has built an integrated export system that encompasses products, technology, manufacturing, supply chains, and service ecosystems.

Key Technological Advancements

On the technology front, FOTON has gained critical credentials to penetrate international markets. Various models of battery electric light trucks and vans have successfully received WVTA (Whole Vehicle Type Approval) and VECTO certification for heavy vehicle carbon emissions, ensuring their entry into the European premium vehicle market. The CAVAN brand’s new energy products are quickly being launched across 15 European countries, as well as in high-potential markets like Australia and New Zealand, effectively transforming China's technological strengths in new energies into a global supply capacity for sustainable mobility.

Historically, China's approach to exporting commercial vehicles has shifted significantly. The phase of simple product exports has evolved into a new era characterized by systemic competition involving technology transfer, localized operations, and collaborative industrial ecosystem development. FOTON’s ongoing advancements reflect a commitment to innovation and integration in the global automotive landscape.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expansion

FOTON operates 32 overseas production facilities in regions such as Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The establishment of a joint supply chain entity with COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers is designed to ensure dedicated maritime transport capacity for exports. Presently, FOTON is accelerating the development of key manufacturing plants in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, enhancing its production capabilities worldwide.

Moreover, the company is incorporating national supply chain partners into its international expansion process, aspiring to build a resilient and highly efficient global industrial network. In Europe, a Regional Distribution Center for Parts (RDC) located in Unna, Germany, complements 18 global spare parts centers, offering over 1,200 sales points and 1,500 service locations. This extensive network supports a 24-hour parts supply system, enabling rapid local responses to after-sales needs across Europe.

Between January and August 2026, FOTON's export volume reached an impressive 149,000 units, marking a year-on-year increase of 44.3%. This remarkable figure serves as a solid market validation of the company's comprehensive capabilities. At IAA, FOTON plans to unveil its new European strategy, celebrate the global delivery of its 13 millionth vehicle, and introduce the world-renowned CAVAN BEACON—an innovative heavy-duty truck compatible with both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems.

In addition to showcasing these advancements, seven models of new energy vehicles and six key components developed in-house will also be exhibited, reflecting FOTON’s strengths in addressing critical use cases in the European transport sector—all while demonstrating the company’s self-sufficient and integrated value chain.

As global attention shifts to Europe, FOTON is prepared to take center stage at IAA. Join us in Hannover on September 14 for a glimpse into a new chapter in the globalization of Chinese commercial vehicles. This event promises to be more than just a product showcase; it is an extensive demonstration of FOTON's systematic global expansion capabilities.