September 30, 2025 will be remembered as a landmark day for both the South African automotive sector and for Foton globally, says the Chinese manufacturer after its first pre-production Completely Knocked Down (CKD) Foton bakkie rolled off the assembly line at its local plant.
In a partnership with fellow Chinese manufacturer, BAIC, Foton Tunland bakkies, alongside BAIC models, will be produced as a joint venture in BAIC’s 540 000m² facility, in a joint venture between BAIC and Foton in the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
This milestone is far more than the roll-out of a pre-production model. It represents a new era of industrial cooperation, investment and growth, as Foton continues to expand its global footprint while strengthening its presence in Africa, says the company.
The pre-production CKD launch marks a key achievement under Foton’s “Lighthouse Plan” in Africa, a strategy designed to establish the continent as a pivotal growth hub within the brand’s global expansion roadmap. By choosing South Africa as the base for CKD operations, Foton is making a long-term commitment to localisation, job creation and technology transfer.
This step forward not only enhances production capabilities in Africa but also builds a foundation for sustainable growth, empowering local suppliers, upskilling workers and strengthening South Africa’s position in the global automotive value chain, Foton says in a statement.
The launch is also a testament to the growing industrial partnership between China and South Africa. Through localised assembly, Foton is contributing to bilateral economic ties, advancing technology sharing and fostering stronger trade collaboration.
“Rolling the first pre-production CKD Foton pickup off the South African line represents more than just a milestone. It is a symbol of investment, trust, partnership and progress,” says Foton South Africa, CEO, Marius Smal. “It shows our belief in Africa’s potential and our confidence in South Africa as a hub for innovation and growth.”
For customers across Africa, local CKD operations translate into the promise of faster availability, competitive pricing and increased confidence in after-sales support. With parts availability, assembly and servicing rooted locally, Foton aims to meet customer needs with even greater efficiency – delivering on its promise of being “Built for Business”, it is claimed.
The introduction of pre-production CKD also paves the way for full-scale manufacturing, enabling Foton to adapt its vehicles more closely to African driving conditions, customer preferences and market demands.
The first pre-production CKD pickup is just the beginning. Foton has signalled plans to expand its model line-up under local assembly in South Africa, further investing in the continent and reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in Africa’s economic development.
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