#China #Beijing #Commercial Vehicles #Foton Motor #global strategy

FOTON Motor's Ambitious Vision Unveiled at 2026 Global Partners Conference

On November 9, 2025, Beijing was the proud host of FOTON Motor's 2026 Global Partners Conference, themed Drive to Great. This significant event attracted over 2,000 attendees from more than 140 countries, including distinguished figures such as FOTON Motor's Chairman Chang Rui and CEO Wu Xibin. It provided a platform to present the company's strategic upgrade aimed at establishing itself as a world-class commercial vehicle enterprise.

Embracing Global Challenges and Opportunities

In the face of rapid advancements in industrial intelligence, digitalization, and connectivity, China's automotive industry is evolving rapidly. FOTON Motor is keenly aware of these shifts and is positioning itself to meet the new demands of the global market. At the conference, Chairman Chang Rui introduced the FOTON Global Strategy Report, putting forth ambitious goals for 2030. Notably, FOTON aims for new energy vehicles to make up over 50% of its product line, with overseas sales exceeding 300,000 units.

To reach these goals, FOTON plans to enhance its international footprint significantly over the next five years, developing more than ten industrial bases in strategically important regions like Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and within the European Union. Alongside the expansion of production facilities, FOTON is committed to establishing a robust support ecosystem covering parts, used vehicles, fleet management, and more, thereby enhancing its overall competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

Strengthening Regional Collaborations

As part of its international strategy, FOTON is laying down strong roots in emerging markets such as Brazil and South Africa. The company’s concerted efforts in these regions were echoed by key local representatives at the conference. Victor Queiroz, the Chief Representative of ApexBrasil Asia-Pacific Region, applauded FOTON’s achievements, particularly the successful localized production of the all-new Aumark light truck in Brazil. This accomplishment was underscored as a vital step for the brand and indicated alignment with Brazil’s initiatives promoting green technologies and innovation.

Furthermore, Mogamat Mahdi Basadien, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the South African Embassy in Beijing, highlighted the groundbreaking establishment of FOTON’s local assembly plant in South Africa. With the launch of the first locally assembled Chinese pickup truck in September 2025, FOTON has set a new benchmark for foreign investments in the South African automotive sector, enhancing regional manufacturing capabilities in Africa.

Innovative Product Development and Future Technology

EVP Lu Zhenghua also took the stage to share insights into FOTON's technology roadmap. Emphasizing that the Chinese commercial vehicle industry is becoming a global technology leader, Lu discussed the shift towards electric vehicles and intelligent technology systems. FOTON is exploring multiple energy routes through pure electric, hybrid, and hydrogen technologies, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation. Additionally, the company has developed an advanced IECO three-in-one system that achieves impressively high electric motor efficiency ratings and has successfully integrated telematics into its operational framework, resulting in enhanced efficiency and reduced risk across its fleet.

In the wake of its expansive strategy, FOTON is not just paving the way for operational advancements; it is setting a precedent for future-oriented commercial vehicle production. The company aims to create a market ecosystem that supports sustainable practices and meets various customer needs, integrating innovation to ensure a competitive edge on a global scale.

Recognition of Partnerships and Future Goals

FOTON also took the opportunity to celebrate key partners who have significantly contributed to its journey, awarding multiple recognitions including the Excellence in New Product Promotion Award. Such acknowledgments serve to solidify and strengthen the collaborative efforts essential for FOTON's continued development.

As the company gears up for 2026, FOTON has articulated its lofty targets, seeking to achieve 200,000 units in overseas sales with marked growth in heavy-duty truck markets. All these efforts and collaborations point towards a cohesive path forward—one where FOTON Motor can confidently claim its space among the giants in the global commercial vehicle industry.

In conclusion, FOTON Motor's 2026 Global Partners Conference demonstrated its commitment to innovation, global outreach, and sustainable development, paving the way for a robust future in commercial vehicles.