Following hot on the heels of other Chinese brand returnees to local shores, Foton is being relaunched as a comprehensive range from the Tunland pickup to full electric people carriers and delivery vehicles and is being done so under the auspices of Combined Motor Holdings that will be the distributor for Foton Vehicles South Africa.
Scheduled for launch on June 25, the unveiling will introduce a range of vehicles including Tunland, Miler, View, eTruckmate, eView and eAumark.
Tunland
We have a superb range of double and single cab pre-owned vehicles from which to choose
The Tunland bakkie offers 120 kW and 390 Nm and uses Bosch's third generation electronic high pressure common rail system, using only a claimed 7,5 l/100 km per 100 kilometres, driving through a BorgWarner electronic Part-time 4WD with four driving modes of 2H/AUTO/4H/4L. The auto mode can automatically switch between 4WD and 2WD drive and distribute the torque between front and rear axles.
It has a ZF 8AT gearbox and an American Eaton rear axle diff-lock.
Miler
The Miler is a last-mile delivery vehicle featuring an interior cab width of 1 552 mm with 200 mm between head and roof and the central console moved backwards, providing a comfortable driving experience for tall people.
View
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The View has several options from pure people carrier to pure panel van and topping the range is the Royal Saloon that is the version for both family and business and boasts a luxury interior, while the Supporter satisfies needs for passenger transferring. With multi-layout seat design, a capacity of 9-15 passengers is available.
The Transor version is developed for freight transferring, and it offers 101 kW and 330 Nm from its 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve engine with Water Charge Air Cooling (WCAC).
Driver seat and front passenger seats are adjustable backward and forward with adjustable backrest and split headrest. And it comes with comes with 9,6 cubic meters of cargo space.
On the electric version there is a CATL battery featuring 140 Wh/kg energy density, 39 kW rated power and a peak torque of 290 Nm. It benefits from both DC and AC charging options.
Foton is launching with a network of 40 dealerships strategically located across the country and Marius Smal, Marius Smal, CEO of Foton South Africa, says: “This extensive dealer network ensures consumers have convenient access to sales, maintenance and support services, fostering lasting relationships built on trust and reliability.”
Foton also has a parts warehouse available through Mandarin Parts Distributors, dedicated to supporting after-sales service needs.
"Foton's additions into the South African market represents a significant milestone in their expansion strategy," says Smal. "We are looking forward to delivering innovative, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation solutions to customers across the region."
Michael the owner of CHANGECARS and a 33 Year veteran of the indusry is most certainly not convinced. He offers the following opinion. "While Chinese brands have shown what can be achieveved with the incredible success of Chery and Haval, others have failed to convince" Michael's concerns are around the fact that Foton has been here before and has failed miserably. Failed in terms of quality and back up. Foton is not being backed by an OEM but rather a Dealer Group whose track record with left field products is less than stellar. Currently Proton and previously the Maxxus brand were imported and with no success.
According to Michael "why would anyone risk buying a Foton when there are immeasurably safer and better options available"
Colin Windell
Proudly CHANGECARS
