Foton Overseas Sales Jump 64.3% in May as Global Expansion Gains Momentum

Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Foton Motor reported strong growth in overseas markets in May, supported by rising demand for its heavy-duty trucks, expanding international operations, and continued investment in localized manufacturing and services.

The company sold more than 58,000 vehicles in May, up 17.3% from a year earlier. Overseas sales reached 18,000 units, representing a 64.3% year-on-year increase.

For the first five months of 2026, Foton exported more than 89,000 vehicles, up 38% compared with the same period last year, maintaining its position as one of China's leading commercial vehicle exporters.

The growth was driven in part by increasing sales of higher-end products. Auman heavy-duty trucks recorded strong performance in Africa and Central Asia, where large fleet orders contributed to higher volumes. Meanwhile, Foton continued expanding its new energy vehicle portfolio overseas. The company's CAVAN C1 electric light truck recently made its debut at IFAT Germany, one of Europe's leading environmental technology exhibitions.

Foton also reported continued progress across several international markets.

In Europe, demand was supported by growing recognition of the TUNLAND V9 pickup, which recently received international industry awards. Deliveries of electric light trucks in Spain also contributed to new business opportunities in the region.

Africa remained another important growth market. The company continued delivering a major order of more than 1,000 vehicles to Nigeria-based Dangote Group, while increased output from its South African manufacturing operation supported regional expansion.

Beyond vehicle sales, Foton has continued investing in localization as part of its long-term international strategy.

The company has built a product development system covering 59 countries and 140 key markets through its global technology network. Vehicle development is based on different operating environments, including extreme heat, cold weather, and high-dust conditions, allowing products to better meet local transportation requirements.

For example, Foton has optimized its heavy-duty truck lineup for heavy-load transport and long downhill operations in Africa. In Saudi Arabia, the company upgraded air-conditioning and thermal management systems for buses operating in desert environments.

The approach has helped Foton secure business from major customers, including Dangote Group and port operators in Central Asia, while strengthening its position in overseas markets.

At the same time, the company is expanding its localization efforts beyond products to include manufacturing, supply chains, and services.

Foton currently operates manufacturing facilities or KD plants in Brazil, Thailand, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. These operations support local production while helping develop regional supplier networks and service capabilities.

In South Africa, the company's Port Elizabeth facility produces trucks and pickups tailored to local market needs. In Thailand, the rollout of the 2,000th locally produced heavy-duty truck marked another milestone in Foton's regional development.

In March 2026, Foton established a joint venture with COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers to strengthen its global logistics capabilities and improve supply chain efficiency.

The company said overseas markets remain a key pillar of its growth strategy.

Looking ahead, additional localized production projects in markets such as Indonesia and Saudi Arabia are expected to come online, while the proportion of locally sourced components will continue to increase. These efforts are intended to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen the company's integration into local automotive ecosystems.

Foton is also accelerating the international rollout of new energy and intelligent commercial vehicles. Its overseas lineup now includes battery-electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered models.

Products such as the eMiler electric light truck, the new-generation Auman D medium-duty truck, and the TUNLAND V hybrid pickup have already entered multiple international markets.

The company recently expanded into Suriname, further strengthening its presence in Central America and the Caribbean.

With sales, manufacturing, and service networks now established across a growing number of international markets, Foton is continuing to expand its global footprint while increasing the share of new energy and premium products in its overseas business.

As the first half of 2026 comes to a close, the company remains on track to achieve its annual overseas growth targets.

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