Chinese automaker Foton has announced that it will re-enter South Africa’s fiercely competitive double-cab segment on 25 June 2024 with the new Tunland G7.
Alongside the bakkie, Foton is expanding its commercial-vehicle offerings with the new Miler, View and eView, eAumark, and eTruckmate on the same day.
Foton has signed with Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) Group as its main distributor in South Africa, and it boasts a network of 40 dealerships in strategic locations across the country.
It is also backed by Mandarin Parts Distributors’ local parts warehouse to bolster after-sales support to new customers.
“Foton’s additions into the South African market represent a significant milestone in its expansion strategy,” said Marius Smal, CEO of Foton South Africa.
“We are looking forward to delivering innovative, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation solutions to customers across the region.”
What to expect
Perhaps the most intriguing entry in Foton’s array of upcoming products is the Tunland G7, a premium-looking double cab that the brand promised will be priced affordably relevant to its rivals.
It must be noted that no South African specifications for any of the new Foton vehicles have been announced as yet, hence, the following information is based on markets where they are already on sale but may not be reflective of their local attributes.
In the Philippines, the G7 is equipped with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel unit that generates 120kW and 390Nm, combined with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
Depending on the model, power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a time-sharing 4×4 system with 2H, 4H, and 4L settings, though a rear-axle differential lock is fitted as standard across the line-up.
To keep up with the bigger players in the industry, the Tunland also supports a maximum payload capacity of 1,100kg.
Interior luxuries take the form of an 8-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, a leather Sports steering wheel, electric seats, and automatic airconditioning.
A selection of safety and assistance equipment is also included in the upper-tier trims, such as lane-keep assistance with forward-collision warning, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot detection, downhill assist, and six airbags.
The Tunland measures 5,340mm long, 1,940mm wide, and 1,870mm high – slightly larger than the dimensions of the fan-favourite Toyota Hilux.
Foton confirmed that it will first be available to South African buyers as a diesel model only, with the range to be expanded with an electric derivative in the future.
Left to right: Foton Aumark, View, and Truckmate
The other incoming Foton vehicles evidently cater more to businesses than consumers.
The View and eView will compete in the minibus category, the latter being one of the first all-electric offerings in this market segment.
The new Miler, eAumark, and eTruckmate are small to medium-sized trucks intended for urban and last-mile deliveries, the Miler running on petrol and the eAumark and eTruckmate on electricity.
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