Foton Signs Factory Deal, Delivers 1,000 School Buses in Saudi Arabia

China’s Foton Motor has signed an agreement to build a commercial vehicle factory in Saudi Arabia and delivered 1,000 custom-built school buses to local customers, marking a major step in its international expansion strategy.

On June 19, Foton International signed a four-party memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Investment, the National Industrial Development Center, and local firm Petromin. The agreement outlines plans to establish a localized manufacturing facility in the kingdom that will produce heavy-duty trucks, light trucks and buses.

The factory project is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to promote industrial diversification and reduce economic reliance on oil. According to Foton, the facility will contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing and logistics sectors, support local supply chains, generate employment, and foster the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Foton currently operates 32 localized manufacturing plants worldwide, with products and services in more than 130 countries and regions. The new Saudi plant is expected to further enhance the company’s global production and distribution network.

Two days after the signing, on June 21, Foton completed the delivery of 1,000 school buses to clients in Riyadh and Jizan. The buses are equipped with Cummins ISF2.8 engines for improved performance on hilly roads, electronic stability control systems for enhanced safety, and climate-adapted cooling systems designed for Saudi Arabia’s high temperatures. Each vehicle also features extended wheelbases and adjustable child seating to provide added comfort and protection.

To support the school bus fleet, Foton has established an after-sales system that includes maintenance tracking, spare parts reserves and 24-hour service coverage.

Company officials said the delivery represents a milestone in Foton’s efforts to expand in the Middle East’s school transport sector and reflects growing global demand for tailored commercial vehicle solutions.

By combining manufacturing cooperation with vehicle exports, Foton aims to deepen its presence in overseas markets through long-term partnerships. The company said it will continue advancing its global strategy focused on internationalization, new energy technologies and smart vehicle solutions.

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