FOTON Celebrates 1 Millionth Export Vehicle and New Factory in Thailand

Bangkok, November 27, 2024 (chinatrucks) – FOTON marked a historic milestone with the inauguration of its FOTON CP (Thailand) factory and the rollout of its 1 millionth export vehicle during the FOTON Asia-Pacific Partners Conference 2025. Held in Bangkok, this landmark event gathered over 400 distinguished guests, including Mr. Jiang Wei, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, Mr. Akanat Promphan, Thailand’s Minister of Industry, and Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of Thailand's Board of Investment. Industry clients, supply chain partners, distributors, and media representatives also joined the celebration.

This moment not only highlights FOTON’s 20 years of strategic global expansion but also signals its transition to comprehensive, full-chain international operations, underscoring its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region.

FOTON’s Thailand Factory: A Regional Hub for Growth

Jointly established with CP Group in 2019, the Thailand factory embodies FOTON’s vision of becoming a leading commercial vehicle brand in the country and beyond. The facility spans 37,000 square meters, producing a full range of vehicles including heavy-duty trucks, light trucks, small trucks, and buses. Positioned as a regional manufacturing hub, the factory also aligns with Thailand’s green energy goals, paving the way for the introduction of FOTON’s new energy vehicle lineup, from electric to hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles.

Global Reach and Local Expertise

The celebration included the unveiling of FOTON’s locally produced heavy-duty truck in Thailand, reinforcing its dual strategy of traditional and new energy vehicle production. Over the years, partnerships with global leaders such as Cummins, ZF, and CATL have empowered FOTON with cutting-edge technologies, enabling competitive advantages like its "Foton Super Powertrain" system.

In 2023 alone, FOTON exported a record 131,000 commercial vehicles, a 49.1% year-on-year increase, solidifying its position as China’s top commercial vehicle exporter for the 13th consecutive year.

Expanding Horizons: A Global Vision

FOTON’s global footprint extends across Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. In Europe, pure electric trucks are operational in Italy, Poland, and Spain, while collaboration projects with Piaggio and IVECO are underway. In Latin America, FOTON’s electric buses have transformed Chile into a regional leader in sustainable transit. Asia-Pacific highlights include Malaysia’s first cross-border electric bus line between Singapore and Malaysia, as well as expanded operations in India, Australia, and Egypt.

FOTON’s commitment to localization is evident in its establishment of 22 KD (knock-down) plants worldwide, fostering regional industry growth and job creation. The upcoming launch of a manufacturing project in Brazil in 2025 further illustrates FOTON’s drive to meet regional needs through innovative business models and strategic partnerships.

Towards the Next Million Vehicles

As FOTON embarks on its next phase of growth, it remains steadfast in delivering high-value, technologically advanced solutions. With Thailand positioned as a key automotive manufacturing and export hub for ASEAN, FOTON is poised to contribute to regional economic prosperity. Guided by principles of collaboration and mutual success, FOTON is paving the way for sustainable development and innovation in the commercial vehicle sector.

This celebration of 1 million export vehicles and the inauguration of the Thailand factory not only marks a significant chapter in FOTON’s journey but also reaffirms its dedication to shaping a greener, more connected future for the global automotive industry.

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