Foton Motor, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, achieved a cumulative sales volume of 131,000 units in international markets in 2023.
A 49.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year adds to its history, positioning it today as one of the leading exporters of commercial vehicles from China for 13 consecutive years.
But how is it preparing to replicate these figures in Spain?
In an exclusive interview with Mobility Portal, Guillem Pujeu, Business Development at Foton Trucks España, explains:
“We are developing a network of service centres and dealerships across the country, and we started marketing last February.”
The company enters the local market initially with its zero and low-emission offerings, with a particular focus on its 100 per cent electric versions.
A look at Foton’s catalogue
It has a catalogue that ranges from light, medium and heavy trucks, as well as vans.
Available options include the eView van, with a peak power of 85 kW and a battery capacity of 50.23 kWh.
The eAuman D 18TN truck is another of the protagonists, with a peak power of 380 kW and a battery capacity of 281.91 kWh.
Not only that, but it also has the eAumark 4.25TN and 6TN, both with a nominal power of 64 kW and a peak of 115 kW, as well as a battery capacity of 81.14 kWh.
The eAuman D 16TN truck has a nominal power of 100 kW, a peak power of 160 kW and a battery capacity of 246.68 kWh.
In this way, it not only stands out for its production and export capacity, but also for its focus on technology and sustainability.
In addition to traditional sales models, leasing and renting with its branded finance company, Foton España also offers the option of renting batteries for some of its models, an innovative solution that facilitates the transition to electric mobility for large customers, optimising long-term savings.
“We are working on implementing it for larger vehicles, such as those of 16 and 18 tons, although it is already available for 4.2 and 7.5 ton models,” Pujeu explains.
The system consists of purchasing an electric truck without a battery, paying a monthly fee for a period of time determined by the client’s needs.
The user has the option to obtain the Battery at the end of the contract for a symbolic value or to start a new agreement.
Foton and its new European plant
Foton’s vehicles arrive from one of its 23 factories in China, but the first steps are already being taken to establish a production plant on the mainland.
What’s more, the company already has a small manufacturing facility for the 6-tonne model in Germany.
“There is a project underway to move part of the production to Europe for the European market, so that the vehicles can be manufactured or assembled in some European country,” anticipates the representative of the firm.
The creation of a production facility in Europe will not only reduce costs and delivery times, but will also allow Foton to better adapt to the needs and regulations of the European market.
This will be ideal in case the European Commission decides to extend the provisional countervailing duties, which currently apply to N1 cars imported from China, but not to commercial vehicles.
What is the “Foton focus” within the Spanish market share?
Currently, the focus is on approaching large clients, since “the transition to electric mobility is more interesting when achieving savings over five years.”
“We also plan to expand our dealer network to serve a wide range of users who may need vehicles,” he said.
With a track record of more than 11 million car sales since its founding in 1996, Foton aims to consolidate its presence in the Spanish market with its headquarters in Madrid.
The brand value has been valued at approximately 16.6 billion euros (approximately 15.29 billion euros).
