Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
Completely Knocked Down production commenced there in 2026, with vehicles assembled locally from supplied components. The plant has an annual production capacity of approximately 50 000 vehicles, which gives scope to increase output as demand develops.
The project has created more than 3 000 direct and indirect jobs and supported over 150 local small and medium sized enterprises through packaging and supply chain activities. Beyond assembly, the operation creates opportunities to develop automotive production skills and deepen the participation of South African suppliers.
“Gqeberha is an important part of our long-term commitment to South Africa. Developing local manufacturing means building production capability alongside the skills and supplier relationships needed to sustain it. Our focus is on strengthening that foundation as we develop opportunities in South Africa and across African markets,” says Luo Yunjie, VP of BAIC FOTON International.
Foton South Africa launched the Tunland V9 PHEV and introduced two Galaxus heavy commercial models at the BAIC Foton Africa Partners Conference.
Foton Tunland V9 PHEV:
The Tunland V9 PHEV adds plug in hybrid technology to the Tunland range. It combines a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine, front and rear electric motors, a 32.8 kWh battery and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, for a combined 350 kW and up to 800 Nm of torque. The existing Tunland V9 is a mild-hybrid diesel.
Foton quotes an electric driving range of up to 110 km and a WLTC combined driving range of 1,000 km. WLTC combined fuel consumption is as low as 2.0 L/100 km, and fuel efficiency improves by more than 30% compared with conventional fuel powered vehicles, even in charge sustaining mode.
“South African bakkie owners need a vehicle that can accommodate the working week, family responsibilities and longer journeys. The Tunland V9 PHEV introduces electric driving into that routine while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine. It gives customers another way to approach electrified mobility without making charging infrastructure the deciding factor in every journey,” says Marius Smal, CEO of Foton South Africa.
The double cab is 5 617 mm long and 2 090 mm wide. A 220 V external power supply can run compatible tools, camping appliances and lighting within the system’s operating limits, and the cabin has a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Driver assistance includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and lane departure warning.
Foton Galaxus:
The two Galaxus models extend Foton’s heavy commercial offering for operators with different transport needs. The tractor configuration detailed at the launch is a right-hand drive 6×4 with a technical gross combination weight rating of 55 tonnes, which applies to the vehicle and trailer combined and is subject to applicable South African requirements and approved operating limits.
It uses a Yuchai diesel engine with a Wanliyang transmission, and its two fuel tanks hold a combined 760 litres. The high roof cab has spring suspension. Across the Galaxus portfolio, different chassis and powertrain configurations cover road transport, construction and specialist vehicle applications.
South Africa's trade relationship with the United States (US) faces another significant challenge following the announcement that the country is to lose its preferential access to the American market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to grow in October, but the automotive industry and consumers faced mounting cost pressures as higher fuel prices added to the cost of motoring and operating commercial fleets.
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to expand in October, with domestic sales increasing by 10.4% year on year, while vehicle exports recorded a recovery after months of declining volumes.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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South Africa's trade relationship with the United States (US) faces another significant challenge following the announcement that the country is to lose its preferential access to the American market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to grow in October, but the automotive industry and consumers faced mounting cost pressures as higher fuel prices added to the cost of motoring and operating commercial fleets.
South Africa’s new vehicle market continued to expand in October, with domestic sales increasing by 10.4% year on year, while vehicle exports recorded a recovery after months of declining volumes.
