On November 9, 2025, FOTON Motor held its 2026 Global Partners Conference in Beijing under the theme "Drive to Great." The event brought together more than 2,000 participants from over 140 countries, including FOTON Motor Chairman Chang Rui, FOTON Motor CEO Wu Xibin, ApexBrasil Chief Representative for Asia-Pacific Victor Queiroz, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the South African Embassy in Beijing Mogamat Mahdi Basadien, as well as FOTON employees, sales representatives, key customers, dealers, suppliers and members of the media. Together, they witnessed the strategic advancement and development of FOTON's ecosystem as the company accelerates its journey towards becoming a global leader in the commercial vehicle industry. At this important stage, FOTON demonstrated an even more open approach and firm determination to work alongside global partners and lead the international expansion of the commercial vehicle industry.
Strengthening the Global Strategy and Reaching New Heights of Development
Today, industrial intelligence, digitalisation and connectivity are driving the rapid development of China's automotive industry. In this process, new-energy vehicles and intelligent driving have become key competitive advantages for the Chinese automotive sector. At this critical stage in the transformation of the global commercial vehicle industry, FOTON Motor is actively competing on the global stage with a renewed strategic vision. At the conference, FOTON Motor Chairman Chang Rui officially presented FOTON's Global Strategic Report, outlining clear global objectives and development paths: "By 2030, new-energy vehicles will account for more than 50% of our product portfolio, overseas sales will exceed 300,000 units, and we will build a world-leading commercial vehicle enterprise with leading design concepts, manufacturing processes and quality experiences."
To achieve this goal, FOTON Motor will accelerate its industrial investment overseas. Over the next five years, the company plans to establish more than 10 industrial bases in Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the European Union and other key regions. FOTON will also develop an ecosystem covering parts, used vehicles, fleet management and other related services. The company will continue to optimise its product portfolio, strengthen synergies between direct sales and distribution, and build a world-class quality system. These efforts will further enhance product competitiveness and customer satisfaction, paving the way for FOTON to become a global leader in the commercial vehicle industry.
Deepening Regional Cooperation and Expanding in Emerging Markets
FOTON Motor's journey from China to the world has always been guided by a global vision centred on openness, cooperation and an in-depth understanding of local markets. Across an increasingly interconnected global landscape, FOTON demonstrates not only China's strong manufacturing capabilities but also the responsibility and commitment of Chinese enterprises on the international stage. Brazil and South Africa, as dynamic emerging markets, represent key strategic pillars of FOTON's global expansion. At the conference, Victor Queiroz, ApexBrasil Chief Representative for Asia-Pacific, and Mogamat Mahdi Basadien, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the South African Embassy in Beijing, delivered speeches expressing their support for FOTON's continued cooperation and investment in their respective regions.
In his speech, Victor Queiroz, ApexBrasil Chief Representative for Asia-Pacific, highlighted the significant progress FOTON Motor has made in the Brazilian market in recent years. He noted that FOTON's plant in southern Brazil has successfully achieved local production of the first "ALL-New Aumark" light-duty truck, marking an important step in the localisation of Chinese commercial vehicle brands in Brazil. Victor also highlighted Brazilian government initiatives such as the "New Industry Plan (NOVA INDÚSTRIA)" and the "Green Mobility and Innovation Programme (MOVER)," which focus on green technologies and new-energy vehicles. These initiatives encourage companies to increase investment in decarbonisation, innovation and electrification, closely aligning with FOTON's sustainable transportation strategy. The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency will continue to support FOTON's local development in areas such as new-energy vehicles and smart manufacturing, helping to take cooperation between China and Brazil to a new level.
Mogamat Mahdi Basadien, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the South African Embassy in Beijing, stated that FOTON's local assembly plant in South Africa is one of the country's most significant automotive investment projects in nearly four decades. He emphasised that this achievement reflects the deepening economic cooperation between China and South Africa, built on mutual trust and shared development. The successful launch of FOTON's first locally assembled pickup in September 2025 represents a historic milestone, not only for FOTON, making it the first Chinese brand to achieve localised CKD production in South Africa, but also for South Africa, further strengthening the country's position as a regional manufacturing hub in Africa. Basadien stated: "The South African government welcomes FOTON's 'Lighthouse Plan' to position South Africa as a regional hub for Africa. We are eager to deepen cooperation in areas such as parts localisation, new-energy vehicle research and development, technology transfer and regional trade, working together to promote sustainable and inclusive development across the African continent." Going forward, FOTON Motor will continue to strengthen its local production and service systems, providing products and technologies that are better suited to local market needs. The company will contribute to market development while actively supporting regional economic and trade cooperation, as well as industrial modernisation.
Leading Product Innovation and Opening a New Global Chapter
Focusing on global commercial vehicle market trends, the future technology roadmap and product planning, FOTON Motor Executive Vice President Lu Zhenghua stated at the conference: "China's commercial vehicle industry is rapidly transforming from a 'market participant' into a 'global technology leader.' Three key trends are shaping the industry today: the rapid increase in new-energy vehicle penetration, accelerated development of intelligent technologies and the coexistence of multiple energy pathways." In line with these trends, FOTON Motor has established the strategic direction of "Internationalisation, New Energy and Intelligence." The company is committed to a multi-technology approach encompassing battery-electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell technologies. In the field of new energy, FOTON's self-developed IECO integrated system has undergone numerous extreme-condition tests, with the electric motor achieving a peak efficiency of 97.7%. Its hybrid technology covers 12 typical operating conditions, while its hydrogen fuel-cell demonstration fleet has reached 3,600 vehicles. In intelligent driving, FOTON's HWP technology effectively reduces driver fatigue, while its AI-powered smart cockpit transforms the vehicle into a "mobile productivity platform." In terms of product development, FOTON has created dedicated new-energy vehicle platforms while continuing to upgrade its conventional platforms, building a product portfolio with strong global market competitiveness.
Under the guidance of its comprehensive intelligent strategy, FOTON Motor Vice President and spokesperson Liu Xuguang highlighted in his Aftermarket Ecosystem Strategy Report: "Based on FOTON's aftermarket ecosystem strategy, the company is seizing opportunities created by the rapid growth of China's automotive aftermarket sector. FOTON is building differentiated competitive advantages by focusing on 'vehicles + FOTON Telematics System' and driving comprehensive digitalisation and ecosystem development across its operations." Currently, the FOTON Telematics System platform connects data from more than 3.16 million vehicles and serves over 4,500 logistics companies. By using functions such as intelligent scheduling, remote diagnostics and driver behaviour analysis, FOTON has achieved a 10% improvement in operational efficiency and a 40% reduction in accident risk. In areas such as vehicle rental, maintenance and repair, and used vehicles, FOTON is strengthening synergies between channels and platforms, expanding its charging network and developing data-driven value-added services. Internationally, FOTON is actively expanding its digital platforms and energy replenishment networks, improving parts distribution networks and supporting dealers in developing used-vehicle and rental businesses. The company continues to build a global vehicle ecosystem service system, steadily advancing towards its goal of becoming a world leader in the commercial vehicle industry.
Ambitious goals are supported by a clear roadmap and strong foundations. At the conference, FOTON Motor Vice President and President of FOTON International Fu Jun provided a detailed overview of the 2026 International Business Work Plan. He stated: "By 2026, FOTON aims to achieve overseas sales of 200,000 units, with growth of more than 70% in the heavy-duty truck segment, a doubling of bus sales and continued growth in the light commercial vehicle segment. We also plan to establish eight markets with annual sales exceeding 10,000 units each." FOTON will accelerate its international industrial development and introduce innovative marketing models, with a particular focus on promoting new products and new-energy vehicles. The company will work with global partners to write a new chapter in its "Drive to Great" mission.
To recognise outstanding partners who have made significant contributions to FOTON's global development, FOTON Motor presented more than 10 awards, including the New Product Promotion Excellence Award, Pioneer in New Energy Promotion Award, Service and Parts Excellence Award, Aftermarket Excellence Award, Prestigious Fleet Customer Honour Award and Best Rising Star Award, among others.
As a leading enterprise in China's commercial vehicle industry, FOTON Motor is using this strategic initiative as an important milestone, with product innovation serving as a key driver of growth. The company is not only providing customers with advanced solutions that are "more energy-efficient, offer longer range, greater intelligence and enhanced safety," but is also accelerating the industry's transformation towards green and intelligent technologies. Looking ahead, with the full implementation of its new strategy and new products, FOTON will further strengthen its position in the global market and bring new momentum from China to the development of global new-energy logistics.
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