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

FOTON Motor's 2026 Global Partners Conference in Beijing: Aiming for Excellence

On November 9, 2025, the FOTON Motor Company held its highly anticipated 2026 Global Partners Conference in Beijing, themed "Drive to Great." The event saw participation from over 2,000 attendees spanning more than 140 countries, gathering to witness the company's strategic shift toward becoming a world-class commercial vehicle manufacturer. Noteworthy guests included FOTON's Chairman Chang Rui and CEO Wu Xibin, along with various international representatives, emphasizing FOTON's global reach and commitment to collaboration in the automotive industry.

Strategic Vision for Global Leadership

FOTON's Chairman, during the conference, unveiled the comprehensive FOTON Global Strategy Report. This report delineated FOTON's ambitious goals for 2030, including plans for new energy vehicles to constitute over 50% of its product offerings, ambitious overseas sales targets, and a commitment to elevating its status within the commercial vehicle sector through superior design, manufacturing, and quality experiences.

To meet these goals, FOTON aims to establish over ten industrial bases across key international markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, and various regions within the European Union. These facilities will not just bolster manufacturing capabilities but also support an emerging ecosystem that encompasses parts, fleet management, and after-sales services.

Engaging with Emerging Markets

Key emerging markets were highlighted as crucial components of FOTON's global expansion strategy. Brazil and South Africa have emerged as strategic partners, underscoring FOTON’s commitment to localized production and collaboration in these regions. For instance, Victor Queiroz, the Chief Representative of ApexBrasil Asia-Pacific Region, praised FOTON’s substantial gains in the Brazilian market, marked by the launch of the "ALL-New Aumark" light truck, produced locally.

Similarly, Mogamat Mahdi Basadien, South Africa’s Chargé d'Affaires a.i. in Beijing, emphasized the significance of FOTON’s local assembly plant as a keystone investment in the country’s automotive industry. He cited the introduction of FOTON’s first locally assembled pickup truck as a landmark achievement, further solidifying South Africa’s role as a regional manufacturing hub.

Innovation and Technology as Pillars of Growth

The conference also showcased FOTON's commitment to advancing technology in response to significant industry trends, particularly in new energy and intelligent driving solutions. As industries pivot towards sustainable practices, FOTON is embracing a strategy focused on fuel-efficient electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel technologies. This diversified approach positions FOTON to capitalize on multiple energy sources moving forward.

The advancements in FOTON's IECO three-in-one system demonstrate the company's dedication to innovation, achieving high efficiency and resilience through rigorous testing. Moreover, the smart technologies being integrated into vehicles aim to optimize not just vehicle performance but also enhance driver experiences, reducing fatigue and transforming vehicles into mobile productivity platforms.

Building a Comprehensive Aftermarket Ecosystem

FOTON's EVP Lu Zhenghua discussed plans for enhancing its aftermarket ecosystem, connecting over 3.16 million vehicles through the FOTON Telematics System. By leveraging data analytics for logistics companies, FOTON is working to improve operational efficiency and safety metrics significantly. With plans in place to expand its service offerings in leasing, maintenance, and repairs, FOTON is positioning itself as a compelling choice in the aftermarket sector.

As part of its ambitious objectives for international sales and growth in various markets, FOTON Motor expects to witness a significant increase in sales of heavy-duty trucks and buses by 2026, in addition to supporting 8 markets each projected to surpass 10,000 units.

Acknowledging Excellence and Partnership

In recognition of exceptional partners contributing to FOTON's global ambitions, the conference concluded with the presentation of awards across various categories. These accolades celebrate the collaboration and innovation driving FOTON’s success on the global stage.

FOTON Motor is poised for an exciting future as it steadfastly pursues its vision of becoming a leader in global new energy logistics while reinforcing its commitment to transforming the commercial vehicle landscape through innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. With these initiatives and an unwavering strategic focus, FOTON is set to inject strong "Chinese power" into the international auto market, reshaping it for a greener future.