Foton’s Grand Return Highlighted by Massive Lineup and Local Production

Keen to make a splash as a leader in the commercial vehicle space, Foton has ushered in a fleet of vans, minibuses and trucks expected to captivate with low pricing. The Chinese automaker also has plans to produce in South Africa, at BAIC’s facility in Gqeberha.

Foton has been China’s leading commercial vehicle brand for the past 19 years and now, in collaboration with Combined Motor Holdings Limited (CMH) plans on taking the local market by storm with a massive lineup to cater for business and personal use. The most relevant to the CAR Magazine audience would be the arrival of the Tunland G7 lineup which was previously detailed in a pricing and specification article but the Chinese automaker has several other models announced during its brand day in Modderfontein, Johannesburg.

As a reminder, the launch event yesterday showcased single-cab and double-cab Tunland models that undercut its bakkie competition. All are outfitted with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor that is good for 120 kW and 390 N.m. Towing capability is listed at 3-tons and standard features like digitised interior that can host smartphone replication are part of the tech appeal.

Marius Smal, CEO of Foton SA, emphasized the unique attributes of the Tunland range: “Many small trucks and bakkies have four wheels, an engine, and are reasonably reliable. The Foton G7 pickup range has all this and more: it’s sexy, features future-proof styling, and boasts a 3-ton towing capacity. Best-in-class pricing, robust performance, and like-for-like specification in comparison with traditional brands – all the right ingredients for ‘fun and business’, at the right price.”

Foton’s presence in South Africa predates 2008 and has been marked by a consistent delivery of vehicles across various segments. The strategic partnership with CMH Group ensures that Foton’s new lineup will receive unparalleled service and support which will span an initial network comprising 40 dealerships across the country. Foton adds that this extensive dealer network guarantees convenient access to sales, maintenance, and support services, fostering lasting relationships built on trust and reliability.

On that topic, Foton’s commitment to customer satisfaction is further highlighted by its state-of-the-art 10 000 m² parts warehouse, managed by Mandarin Parts Distributors (PTY) Ltd. This facility is dedicated to supporting after-sales service needs, ensuring that any maintenance or repair requirements are swiftly and efficiently addressed. This will cater to the full range of vehicles on offer locally, which include minibuses, trucks and vans, some of which employ a battery and electric motor in place of the typical internal combustion motor.

Foton Commercial Vehicle Pricing

• Asambe Taxi Petrol Manual Minibus 2.4 Petrol – R439 900
• Asambe Taxi Diesel Manual Minibus 2.8 Diesel – R499 900
• View Minibus 2.0 Automatic Luxury Minibus 2.0 Luxury – R599 900
• Miler Chassis Cab Miler Chassis Cab – R339 900
• Miler With Dropside Miler Dropside – R359 900
• eTruckMate Chassis Cab eTruckMate Chassis Cab – R575 000
• eTruckMate Dropside eTruckMate Dropside – R595 000
• eView Panelvan eView Panelvan – R850 000
• eAumark Chassis Cab eAumark Chassis Cab – R1 199 900
• eAumark Dropside eAumarkDropside – R1 250 000

Aside from the news of NEV workhorses and models catering to the taxi industry, the most significant news is that Foton has partnered with Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) for exclusive distribution across a network of 40 existing dealers. What is more, Foton has plans for bakkie production at BAIC’s facility in Gqeberha from 2026 with potential for local production to grow and supplement the rest of the African continent. The 540 000 m2 facility has plans to produce the Beijing X55, BAIC B40 and B80 and BAIC X25. The planned target production capacity for the current phase is 40 000 to 50 000 units per year.

Foton Tunland G7 (2024) Price & Specs

Yet another Chinese contender has entered – or, in this case, returned to – South Africa’s bakkie market, with prices kicking off at R319 900. Here’s what we know about the Foton Tunland G7…

The Foton Tunland G7 has officially hit the market in South Africa, arriving as the latest Chinese contender in Mzansi’s bustling bakkie space. At launch, Foton SA is offering 5 double-cab derivatives along with a solitary single-cab variant.

As you’d tend to see with newer model lineups of the Chinese variety, there’s a spread of new energy vehicles as well as ICE to cover as many bases as possible.

This G7 iteration is priced from R319 900 in single-cab workhorse guise and R399 900 in double-cab form. That latter starting price puts the dual-cab Tunland G7 right in line with base double-cab versions of the JAC T6, GWM Steed 5 and Mahindra Pik Up.

All derivatives are powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine developing 120 kW and 390 Nm. The single cab (4×2 only) and the cheapest version of the double cab each employ a 6-speed manual gearbox, while all other derivatives use a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission. The double-cab line-up includes both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, with trim levels choices being TL, TLX and Limited.

Every model measures 5 340 mm long, 1 940 mm wide and stands 1 870 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3 110 mm. The ground clearance and braked towing capacity come in at 210 mm and 3 000 kg respectively, across the board, while Foton SA unfortunately doesn’t list any payload capacities (but we’re guessing they’re in the region of 1 000 kg). Standard features for the single cab include items like a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, electric windows, automatic air conditioning, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors.

In the Tunland G7 double-cab portfolio, the TL grade adds features such as 17-inch alloy wheels (as opposed to the single cab’s 16-inch steelies), cruise control, an electronic parking brake, 2 extra speakers (for a total of 4), electronic stability control and tyre-pressure monitoring.

Meanwhile, the TLX specification gains running boards, dual-zone air conditioning, automatic headlamps, keyless entry, 6 speakers, front-seat heating, cloth-and-leatherette upholstery and extra airbags (side and curtain, for a total of 6). In addition, the automatic-equipped TLX features a mechanical differential lock.

Finally, the flagship Limited model, which is priced at R599 900, scores 18-inch alloys, extra chrome exterior trim, a sunroof, front collision warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, a 360-degree camera system and wireless smartphone charging.

Other Foton light-commercial vehicles introduced at the same time as the Tunland G7 include the Miler 2.1-tonne chassis-cab truck (R339 900), the 16-seater Asambe minibus taxi (from R439 900), the fully electric eTruckmate 1.2-tonne mini truck (R575 000), the 15-seater View Minibus (R599 900), the fully electric eView Panel Van (R850 000) and the fully electric eAumark 4-tonne chassis-cab truck (R1 199 900).

How much does the Foton Tunland G7 cost in SA?

Foton Tunland G7 Single Cab 4×2 Hi-Rider 6MT – R319 900

Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×2 TL 6MT – R399 900

Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×2 TL 8AT – R469 900

Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×2 TLX 8AT – R499 900

Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×4 TL 8AT – R559 900

Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×4 LTD 8AT – R599 900

According to Foton SA’s website, the single-cab model ships with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and does without a standard service plan, while the double-cab derivatives upgrade to a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 3-year/50 000 km service plan.

Foton Motor South Africa New Products and Strategy Release Launch

Foton South Africa is bringing in the heat in the commercial and bakkie space with some new products and strategies to shake up the market. We saw a few models that should pique your interest.

Foton forms part of the BAIC group established in 1958 with an increasing global foothold. There’s a focus on providing vehicles, parts, service and trade, and a complete industrial chain. Beiqi Foton has been one of the largest commercial vehicle enterprises in China since its formation in 1996. At the time of typing this, there are at least 18 R&D centres globally, 16 vehicle factories and 6 parts warehouses in China. There are 7 factories planned for overseas. On the African side of the story, there’s a significant push for commercial vehicles with manufacturing in South Africa as part of the plan, and CMH (Combined Motor Holdings) is the exclusive partner for Foton distribution in South Africa.

As you’d tend to see with newer model lineups of the Chinese variety, there’s a spread of new energy vehicles as well as ICE to cover as many bases as possible.

Models to pique your interest

Foton Tunland G7

The Tunland G7 makes its way to South Africa in both single and double-cab formats. Featuring a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine co-developed with Cummins making 120 kW and 390 Nm, either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and you can have the double cab bakkies in either 4×2 or 4×4 fascia. The single cab is only available in 4×2. Ground clearance is rated at 210 mm.

Inside both the double and single cab variants, you’ll find a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible and a digital instrument cluster. HVAC controls are analogue buttons and operation. The single cab has a payload of over 1000 kg, and both single and double cab variants can tow up to 3000 kg. This vehicle is backed by a 5-year/200 000km warranty. This is just the information we have so far, and there will be more to come at the official launch of the Tunland G7.

Tunland G7 Pricing

Model	Pricing
Foton Tunland G7 Single Cab 4×2	from R319 900
Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×2 TL Manual	from R399 900
Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×2 TL Auto	from R469 900
Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×2 TLX Auto	from R499 900
Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×4 TLX Auto	from R559 900
Foton Tunland G7 Double Cab 4×4 LTD AT	from R599 900

Foton Asambe and View CS2

We have the Asambe 16-seater taxi and luxury shuttle View CS2 15-seater to cover the minibus segment. The View is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine making 101 kW and 330 Nm, sending power via a 6-speed auto. There’s a single sliding door to access the other seating in the bus. The Asambe either comes with a petrol 2.4-litre non-turbo engine making 100 kW and 200 Nm paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. You can also have a diesel engine co-developed with Cummins that produces 96 kW and 280 Nm as well. The Asambe is backed by a 2-year/200 000km warranty.

Asambe and View CS2 pricing

Model	Pricing
Foton View CS2 Asambe 2.4 Petrol Manual	from R439 900
Foton View CS2 Asambe 2.8 Diesel Manual	from R499 900
Foton View CS2 2.0 Luxury Auto	from R599 900

Other Commercial Foton Offerings Unveiled

Foton eTruck Mate

We have two EV offerings. The eTruck Mate is a light commercial vehicle with an EV powertrain utilising a lithium-ion phosphate battery with a capacity of 38.64 kWh and an NEDC-claimed range of 280 km. The permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 60 kW and 200 Nm. Charging times for DC are rated at 1 and a half hours and 7 hours on AC.

Model	Pricing
Foton eTruck Mate	from R575 000
Foton eTruck Mate	from R595 000

Foton eView Panelvan

There is an EV version of the View in panel van form, which also utilises dual sliding doors. You can expect 85 kW and 290 Nm with a battery capacity of 50.23 kWh.

Model	Pricing
Foton eView Panelvan	from R850 000

Foton eAumark

The eAumark is another EV LCV with a Permanent Synchronous Magnet motor producing 115 kW and 300 Nm, a battery capacity of 81.14 kWh, and a maximum payload of 3570 kg.

Model	Pricing
Foton eAumark Chassis Cab	from R1 199 900
Foton eAumark Dropside	from R1 250 000

Foton Miler

Finally, the Miler is an ICE LCV with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine making 92 kW and 320 Nm, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a max GCM of 4495 kg.

Model	Pricing
Foton Miler Chassis Cab	from R339 900
Foton Miler Dropside	from R359 900

*Pricing stated here was correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change without prior notice.

Foton fires latest Chinese bakkie price salvo with new Tunland G7

Tunland G7 will spearhead an eventual three-bakkie range set to be bolstered next year by the V9 and G9.

Its return to South Africa announced back in February, Foton officially unveiled its product offensive for the local market at a gala premiere event held in Johannesburg on Wednesday (26 June).

Bigger plans

Again focusing on commercial vehicles in spite of producing passenger vehicles in China, the brand returns under the auspices of Proton importer, Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), with parts support by Mandarin Parts Distributors.

Levering off of its subsidiary relation with Beijing Automotive Group Corporation (BAIC), with eventual plans to assemble vehicles in complete knockdown, semi-knockdown and complete build-up kit forms at the former’s Gqeberha plant in the Eastern Cape, the initial line-up comprises the Miler, eTruckmate and eAumark light-duty trucks, as well as Asambe taxi, View minibus and the all-electric eView panel van.

Tunland returns

Taking centre stage though, the unveiling also marked the return of the Tunland bakkie quietly dropped from the South African market before a major facelift in 2018.

The first model of a three-tier bakkie strategy set to comprise the Tunland V9 and G9 in 2025, the newly named Tunland G7, which debuted in the People’s Republic as the Yutu in 2019, will be offered in both single and double cab bodystyles powered by a solitary turbodiesel engine hooked to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Power and fundamentals

Sold through a reported 40 Foton dealerships that will handle the trucking division as well, the seven model Tunland G7 range all feature dimensions of an overall length of 5 340 mm, a wheelbase of 3 110 mm, height of 1 870 mm and width of 1 940 mm.

Sporting a clearance of 210 mm regardless of being rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, the G7 has a payload rating of up to 1 090 kg depending on the cab configuration, plus a tow rating of 3 000 kg across the range.

In terms of power, all variants utilise a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine co-developed with Foton and long-time engine supplier Cummins, that produces 120kW/390Nm, the most of any market where the G7 is sold in.

For the single cab and entry-level double cab that carries the TL trim grade denominator, the amount of twist goes to the rear axle only through the mentioned six-speed ‘box, with the rest of the line-up being exclusively equipped with the ZF-sourced eight-speed self-shifter.

Spec

As for specification, all Tunland G7s receive a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with electric windows and mirrors, automatic air-conditioning, auto lock/unlock doors, push-button start, rear parking sensors, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, dual front airbags, Driver Attention Alert, ABS and EBD.

Included on the single cab are 16-inch steel wheels, body-coloured bumpers, a digital instrument cluster, fabric seats, a two-speaker sound system, remote central locking, Bluetooth and a pair of USB ports.

Commencing the double cab range, the TL gains 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a steel sports bar, so-called knitted material seat upholstery and rear air-conditioning vents.

Also standard is:

• four-speaker sound system;
• tyre pressure monitor;
• front and rear armrests;
• Vehicle Dynamic Control;
• Hill Hold Assist;
• Hill Descent Control;
• Brake Override System;
• drive mode selector with three settings; Eco, Comfort and Sport

Up next, the TLX opens-up the four-wheel-drive range with the selectable system comprising low range and a mechanically locking rear differential not available on any two-wheel-drive version.

Adding to the TL’s spec sheet, the TLX gets side-steps and imitation leather seats, as well as dual-zone climate control bizarrely only offered on the two-wheel-drive.

Included further are;

• ventilated and heated front seats;
• auto on/off headlights;
• keyless entry;
• six-speaker sound system;
• six airbags

Completing the Tunland G7 range, the four-wheel-drive only Limited boasts heated and folding electric mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and roof rails, electric front seats, ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charger and an inverter integrated into the walls of loadbox.

Concluding the Limited are front parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Forward Collision Warning, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring and Automatic Emergency Braking.

Price

Standard across all models is a five-year unlimited km warranty with a three-year/50 000 km service plan included on the double cab.

• Tunland G7 2.0 single cab Hi-Rider – R319 900
• Tunland G7 2.0 double cab TL – R399 900
• Tunland G7 2.0 double cab TL AT – R469 900
• Tunland G7 2.0 double cab TLX AT – R499 900
• Tunland G7 2.0 double cab TLX 4×4 AT – R559 900
• Tunland G7 2.0 double cab Limited 4×4 AT – R599 900