Foton has officially started vehicle production at its manufacturing facility in South Africa.
The factory, which is located on the outskirts of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, has commenced with complete-knock-down (CKD) operations for the Tunland bakkie range.
Foton is a sub-brand under the Beijing Automotive Group Company (BAIC), which has a facility in the Coega Special Economic Zone.
This site already produces the Beijing X55 crossover and B40 Plus SUV, and the facilities have been expanded to accommodate Foton’s commercial vehicle range.
“The launch of CKD production at our Gqeberha facility represents a major milestone for Foton globally and for South Africa’s automotive industry,” said Marius Smal, CEO of Foton South Africa.
“By establishing its first overseas manufacturing base in South Africa, Foton is expressing confidence in the country’s industrial capability, skilled workforce, and strategic importance as a gateway to regional and international markets.”
The automaker explained that the project was established in alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and South Africa’s Automotive Industry Development Plan 2035
Construction on the facility first began in 2016, and is estimated to have since created more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for local communities.
The factory also supports over 150 local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through sub-packaging and supply chain activities.
BAIC noted that, with CKD production now operational, the Eastern Cape plant now manufactures a range of vehicles, including SUVs, pickup vehicles within the Tunland range, and commercial trucks.
“These initiatives contribute to strengthening South Africa’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem while supporting the objectives of the Automotive Industry Development Plan 2035, which aims to increase localisation and expand the country’s automotive production capacity,” it said.
The factory now has an annual production capacity of roughly 50,000 vehicles – a crucial figure enabling scalable manufacturing for both domestic and export markets.
“As production expands, the Gqeberha facility will play an increasingly important role in Foton’s global manufacturing network,” said Smal.
“South Africa’s established automotive industry and its position as a gateway to emerging markets make it an ideal base for future growth.”
The Chinese bakkie brand stated that its next phase will focus on expanding production, strengthening supply partnerships, and increasing localisation to better integrate itself within the broader South African automotive sector.
Foton’s factory in South Africa
Loading ...
