FOTON Motor Commits to Global Strategy for Class-Leading Commercial Vehicle Production

FOTON Motor's Vision for the Future of Commercial Vehicles

On November 9, 2025, FOTON Motor hosted the 2026 Global Partners Conference in Beijing, themed "Drive to Great." This significant event highlighted the company's ambitious plans to enhance its global footprint in commercial vehicle manufacturing. With over 2,000 participants from more than 140 countries, including key figures like FOTON's Chairman Chang Rui and CEO Wu Xibin, the conference aimed to reinforce FOTON's strategy in establishing itself as a world-class manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

A Commitment to Global Leadership

At the conference, Chang Rui presented an insightful report detailing FOTON’s global strategy, outlining the company’s clear objectives for 2030. These include a commitment to ensuring that over 50% of their product line consists of new energy vehicles, achieving annual overseas sales exceeding 300,000 units, and creating a state-of-the-art commercial vehicle manufacturing venture. The company's drive is indicative of the rapid advancements influencing the automotive industry, including digitization, smart driving, and the rising significance of new energy vehicles.

The conference spotlighted FOTON's readiness to intensify investments in global industrial plants, with plans to construct more than ten manufacturing bases in key regions such as Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union within the next five years. This expansion will not only produce vehicles but also build an ecosystem that includes spare parts, used vehicles, fleet management, and other integrated services.

Strengthening International Partnerships

Brazil and South Africa are recognized as vital strategic areas for FOTON's worldwide expansion. Representatives from both nations, including Victor Queiroz from ApexBrasil and Mogamat Mahdi Basadien from the South African Embassy, spoke about the growing collaboration with FOTON and welcomed ongoing investments in their regions.

Queiroz highlighted FOTON's notable progress in Brazil, particularly the successful launch of local production for the ALL-New Aumark light truck, which marks a significant achievement in localizing Chinese commercial vehicle brands in South America. Furthermore, sound government initiatives such as Brazil's "New Industrial Plan" and "Green Mobility Plan" align with FOTON's environmentally sustainable focus and their commitment to new energy vehicles.

On the other hand, Basadien remarked that FOTON's local assembly plant in South Africa holds a pivotal role in the country's automotive investment landscape over nearly four decades. The launch of FOTON's first locally assembled pickup truck is not just an achievement for FOTON but also symbolizes South Africa's growth as a regional manufacturing hub.

Embracing Technological Advancements

As the automotive market evolves, FOTON acknowledges the significance of innovation. Executive Vice President Lu Zhenghua discussed the company’s commitment to aligning with three key trends: the rapid rise of new energy vehicles, the growth of intelligent technologies, and the coexistence of diverse energy solutions. FOTON is dedicated to a multi-faceted approach, incorporating fully electric, hybrid technologies, and hydrogen fuel applications.

Among their recent technological advancements, FOTON introduced the IECO three-in-one system, which achieved an impressive peak efficiency of 97.7% in electric motors under extreme conditions. Their hybrid technologies adapt to various operational environments, while their hydrogen fuel cell demonstration fleet consists of 3,600 units.

Future Plans and Sustainability Efforts

Looking to the future, FOTON plans to enhance their localized production and service systems to provide products tailored to local market needs. They aim to boost regional economic and trading cooperation while focusing on the modernization of industry standards. With particular emphasis on product innovation and sustainability, the company is set to redefine the landscape of commercial vehicles.

At the conference, FOTON also recognized outstanding partners through various awards aimed at celebrating achievements in product development, service excellence, and innovation in new energy vehicles. These acknowledgments reflect FOTON’s commitment to nurturing strong partnerships pivotal for achieving mutual growth and milestone successes.

In conclusion, with their comprehensive strategy in place, FOTON Motor is poised to reinforce its presence in the global marketplace, leading the charge towards a more sustainable future in commercial transportation. The company's efforts are not just about building vehicles but also about shaping a more efficient, intelligent, and responsible industry for the years to come.