#China #Beijing #Global Expansion #Commercial Vehicles #Foton Motor

FOTON Motor's Global Partners Conference 2026

On November 9, 2025, FOTON Motor hosted its highly anticipated 2026 Global Partners Conference in Beijing under the inspiring theme "Drive to Great." This significant event attracted over 2,000 participants from more than 140 countries, including key figures such as FOTON Motor's Chairman Chang Rui and CEO Wu Xibin, along with representatives from ApexBrasil and the South African embassy. The conference showcased FOTON’s strategic modernization and highlights its ambition to become a world-class manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

Aiming for Global Leadership

The 2026 conference emphasized FOTON's commitment to global strategy, focusing on its evolution in the commercial vehicle sector. FOTON’s vision includes providing innovative designs, production processes, and quality experiences by 2030. The company plans to ensure that vehicles powered by new energy sources will make up more than 50% of its product offerings and aims to exceed 300,000 units in international sales.

To achieve these goals, FOTON is set to accelerate its industrial investments globally, with ambitious plans to establish over ten industrial bases in strategic regions such as Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, and the European Union within the next five years. This initiative aims to create a robust ecosystem encompassing parts, used vehicles, fleet management, and related services, enhancing product competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

Strengthening Partnerships for Regional Expansion

FOTON's ongoing global vision emphasizes openness and collaboration. Key markets like Brazil and South Africa play a pivotal role in the company’s strategic global expansion. During the conference, Victor Queiroz from ApexBrasil and Mogamat Mahdi Basadien from the South African embassy reinforced their support for FOTON’s advancing investments in their respective regions.

Queiroz spotlighted that FOTON's factory in southern Brazil successfully localized the production of its first light truck, the "ALL-New Aumark," marking a significant milestone in the localization of Chinese commercial brands in Brazil. He also highlighted Brazilian government initiatives focused on green technologies, which align closely with FOTON's sustainable transportation strategy.

Similarly, Basadien remarked on the significance of FOTON's assembly plant in South Africa, noting it as one of the most essential automotive investment projects in the country for nearly four decades. The successful launch of FOTON's locally assembled pickup truck represents not just a success for the company but also reinforces South Africa's standing as a regional manufacturing hub in Africa.

Innovations Driving Product Development

FOTON has emphasized innovation as a central pillar of its rapid transition to becoming a global technology leader in the commercial vehicle sector. During the conference, Vice President Lu Zhenghua noted three vital trends: the rise of vehicles powered by new energy sources, the accelerated development of intelligent technologies, and the coexistence of various energy sources.

The company is focusing on electrification, hybrid, and hydrogen technologies. With a focus on user experience, FOTON is developing platforms tailored to new energy vehicles while enhancing its traditional product lines to remain competitive worldwide. FOTON’s advanced telematics system now connects data from over 3.16 million vehicles, integrating features such as smart planning and remote diagnostics to improve operational efficiency significantly.

Future Directions: Anticipated Success and Collaborations

Looking ahead, FOTON’s CEO Fu Jun outlined the company's international business objectives for 2026, which include achieving sales of 200,000 units abroad, with a forecasted increase in heavy truck sales by over 70%. FOTON is set to double its bus sales and bolster its light commercial vehicle sales while expanding into eight new markets, each projected to exceed sales of 10,000 units.

FOTON also awarded over ten accolades to partners who have significantly contributed to its global growth, underscoring its commitment to fostering collaborative success in the industry. As a leader in the Chinese commercial vehicle landscape, FOTON’s innovative strategies are set to transform not only its operations but also the broader industry towards more sustainable and intelligent technology solutions.

In conclusion, through its comprehensive strategic goals and partnerships, FOTON Motor is poised to enhance its global influence and contribute meaningfully to the future of logistics powered by new energy sources, advancing towards its vision of excellence in commercial vehicle manufacturing.