Foton signs powertrain cooperation agreement with Ricardo

Foton signs powertrain cooperation agreement with Ricardo

Published August 11, 2015

On June 19, 2015, in London, England, Foton signed a contract with Ricardo UK Ltd. (Ricardo) for in-depth cooperation in powertrain research and development.

Ricardo is one of the most renowned powertrain consultancies in the world, focused on powertrain development and applications, along with testing services and systems.

Foton and Ricardo’s technical cooperation actually dates back to 2013 with 1.4TGDI (small turbo + direct injection) and 1.2MPI engines. Both engines have already gone into mass production.

At this stage, Ricardo and Foton will cooperate on passenger vehicles – including powertrain products’ research, new technical research and engine design and development.

Due to its successful cooperation with Cummins in developing large displacement engines, Foton will begin partnering with Ricardo, another worldwide engine magnate, to develop in the small displacement engine market, as well as update Foton’s full series of engines.

Arriving in North America is Foton’s SAUVANA SUV with Cummins Technology

Arriving in North America is Foton’s SAUVANA SUV with Cummins Technology

Published September 30, 2015

September 30, 2015: As the newest entrant to Foton’s vehicle line-up, SAUVANA contentiously emerges on the North American continent. The veritable SUV, with American origins and built for hardcore SUV fans in mind, is vehemently awaiting actual reviews from the American market.

At its Core, Trendsetting SUV is Decidedly Cummins

Reputation is deserved for American Cummins as the world leader in engines. As the world’s largest independent engine manufacturer, not only is Cummins renowned for impeccable quality, durability and fuel economy in the industry, it also upholds the concepts of innovation and development under increasingly stringent vehicle emissions regulations, including facing fierce competition in off-highway and marine engine emissions. Foton and Cummins’ partnership has brought over 100 years of technical innovation and experience leading to the ISF2.8T light-duty engine at the core of every truly American-style SAUVANA SUV.

SAUVANA Arrives in North America, to What End? Spawn a Hard-core North American Off-road Expedition.
As a Mecca of off-road culture, adventure-seekers flock to North America every year to experience an amalgamation of wilderness and barrenness, with the spirit to conquer uncharted domain at the very foundation of American off-road culture. SAUVANA epitomizes North American off-road culture with “inherent strength” as the guiding principle behind each and every SUV. Four key strengths that set SAUVANA SUV’s apart are its entry into the American off-road experience, its hard-core exterior and spacious interior, its powerful engine and its off-road capabilities.

There is inherent strength in being “wild”. Foton’s SAUVANA features a carefree design, muscular styling and dynamic American-style lines that are characteristically American from bumper to bumper. With its 2790 mm wheelbase, 4830 mm length, 1910 mm width and 1885 mm height, SAUVANA’s body style can be described as robust, tough and aggressive.

There is inherent strength in being “exquisite”. Rugged yet tender, SAUVANA’s interior binds exquisite high-class designs with workmanship, to visually demonstrate the harmonic relationship between these two seemingly paradoxical themes. In order to offer the most flexible options in terms of space, SAUVANA is available in TX, VX and flagship LX models. In addition to ample legroom and luggage room, SAUVANA also offers both fold-down flat seats and additional storage spaces to meet customers’ complex demands for more cargo space in an SUV.

There is inherent strength in being “free”. Wildly powerful, SAUVANA’s brand appeal is in its “inherent strength”, combined with its commitment to being a model of innovation and value in the global mid-size SUV segment; thus to profess SAUVANA’s unique untamed attractiveness. Powered by the American Cummins engine platform, remarkable performance is assured. With technical innovation brought together from the United States, Europe and China, SAUVANA is poised to become a major contender in off-road vehicles.

An Example in Leadership-From worldwide technical innovation to the creation of a New Chinese Benchmark

‘Industry 4.0’ is sweeping the globe; its concepts of strategic development coincide with China’s industrialization and informatization. Even though this phase is an important opportunity for the transformation of China’s manufacturing industry, China is still an audience member in the world stage, merely in a passive role. Based on the current status of domestic industry, China will transition toward the ‘Industry 4.0’ era and eventually be synonymous with this term.

Foton’s introduction of SAUVANA, a new, modern product, is its testament to upholding the ‘Industry 4.0’ vision. Focused on perfection, and born out of a pickup platform incorporating 100 years of superb technologies, Foton SAUVANA was created with durable parts to guarantee it will withstand the elements. Additionally, with the integration of Cummins’ high-efficiency engines at the core of every SAUVANA, the results are powerful, world-class SUV’s

Foton will pioneer in ‘Industry 4.0’, integrating innovation, employing world-class technologies, and enhancing research and development and manufacturing capabilities into future development goals. SAUVANA serves as the new benchmark of Chinese vehicle manufacturers, having already arrived first in the US market.

German Chancellor Merkel’s delegates visit Foton Daimler’s vehicle plant

German Chancellor Merkel’s delegates visit Foton Daimler’s vehicle plant

Published November 24, 2015

On October 29, 2015, German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s delegates – representatives of German associations, chambers of commerce and entrepreneurs visited Foton Daimler’s digital plant in Beijing, learning about the company’s operating model, manufacturing processes and information technologies.

Zhou Liang, president of Foton Daimler, introduces smart manufacturing
Daimler is the biggest globally- active manufacturer of trucks and a technology leader. Daimler also aspires to be the world’s number one supplier, creating superior value for its customers while being a model of quality and profitability to its shareholders. Daimler has the longest history as market leader in high-end medium-duty and heavy-duty truck markets. Daimler and Foton’s cooperation is complementary to both parties, as it’s beneficial for both parties to develop international markets together and achieve a win-win strategy. Furthermore, Daimler benefits by expansion into emerging markets through Foton’s advantages in low cost commercial vehicle products and internal cost controls. Additionally, Foton Daimler’s efforts in managing the “Auman” brand have surpassed the traditional Sino-foreign joint venture model – whereby a Chinese company simply brings in foreign vehicle models and produces OEM for the joint venture – to setting a precedent by jointly cooperating to develop new vehicle models.

He Mateng, Foton Daimler Vice President of R&D, introduces the Mercedes-Benz engine
Under Foton Daimler’s innovation model, Daimler’s TOS operating system and Cummin’s COS management system were brought onboard, R&D was brought to European standards and engine R&D was fully integrated into complete vehicle R&D. Smart manufacturing was achieved through having Asia’s most modern factory: implementing German Industry 4.0 practices and employing CDC information technologies to produce the world’s leading Auman heavy-duty reduced emissions trucks. With an automation rate of more than 60 percent, the Foton Daimler plant is capable of producing 200,000 units per year of Auman heavy-duty trucks and Mercedes-Benz engines.

Foton Daimler Automotive automated vehicle production
Prior to the arrival of Chancellor Merkel’s delegates, the German Embassy in Beijing mentioned that German enterprises expressed interest in China’s innovative “Industry 4.0” research. In response, Foton Daimler showcased its Auman GTL heavy-duty truck connected vehicle – powered by Mercedes-Benz, arousing the visitors’ keen interest.

Auman GTL truck – powered by Mercedes-Benz
On the production line, Winfried Bostelmann, head of Merkel’s German delegation and Zhou Liang, president of Foton Daimler jointly assembled the Mercedes-Benz OM457 engine on the chassis of the Auman GTL, heralding Foton as the quintessential Sino-German enterprise ,haod taking advantage of “German Industry 4.0” in standardization, lean production, connectivity and thus upgrading China’s auto industry by Foton’s manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks.

Indonesia’s Historic First Purchase of New Energy Vehicles-Foton Auman CNG Heavy-Duty Trucks are Delivered

Indonesia’s Historic First Purchase of New Energy Vehicles-Foton Auman CNG Heavy-Duty Trucks are Delivered

Published November 20, 2014

On November 20, 2014, Foton Motor’s New Energy Vehicles’ Signing and Delivery Ceremonies were held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Mayor of the City of Beijing, Wang Anshun, as well as Head of Jakarta Public Transportation, M. Akbar, participated in the events.

The day kicked-off with the first event, the Jakarta New Energy Bus Service Plan Signing Ceremony. Afterwards, Foton Motor signed the Second Purchase Agreement Signing Ceremony for New Energy Heavy Trucks (Auman CNG) with Surabaya Port, and delivered the first batch of trucks on location.

FOTON AUV buses won the favor of the Jakarta public transportation system due to its high-quality and comprehensive service program. During the exhibition, FOTON AUV buses for Jakarta received commendable praise and attention by participants.

Moreover, FOTON AUMAN made history – in order to serve Surabaya Port, FOTON AUMAN actually became the first new energy heavy-duty truck brand to have entered into the Indonesian market.
By entering the Indonesian market, Foton’s new energy vehicles have made an important contribution to public transportation and to the people’s quality of life in Jakarta.
In short, the signing and delivery of Foton’s new energy vehicles in Indonesia has undoubtedly demonstrated Foton’s mature renewable energy technologies and reliable, quality products, while also predicting Foton’s ability to meet the customized needs of different target markets and segments. Furthermore, with Foton’s breakthrough in the Indonesian market, it will strive for greater market penetration through deep customer insights, so as to provide greater support for transportation improvement in Indonesia in the future.

Chilean Launch of Foton AUMAN GTL—Powered by Cummins ISG Engines

Chilean Launch of Foton AUMAN GTL—Powered by Cummins ISG Engines

Published November 24, 2014

One Small Step, One Giant Leap

Under Andes Motor’s constructed moon dome in Santiago, Chile, Foton’s brand-new flagship AUMAN GTL heavy-duty truck was officially launched into American markets on November 20, 2014.

“Today, the launch ceremony at the Moon Hall reminds me of the famous words of American astronaut Neil Armstrong on the first moon walk. That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,” Foton Motor EVP Mr. Wang Xiangyin said. “At this moment, I want to make it clear that although the new AUMAN GTL is one small step in new product research, we are confident that with the joint efforts of Foton and our distributors, AUMAN GTL will offer a new and important option in local logistics.”

AUMAN GTL ISG-powered heavy-duty trucks, based on European standards and designed jointly by Foton, Foton Daimler and Cummins, are high-end and feature integrated, perfectly-matched revolutionary engines to significantly improve overall performance and capability of the trucks. Five breakthroughs in AUMAN GTL ISG-powered heavy-duty trucks are their low fuel consumption, low operating cost, high safety, high comfort and high reliability.

Cummins ISG heavy-duty engines feature in-line 6-cylinder engines and are available in 11-liter and 12-liter models to meet a broad range of global market requirements and emissions standards. From the very beginning, everything about the conception of the ISG has been revolutionary. This is a revolution, won through innovation, from creative designs and leading analyses to efficient production techniques and exhaustive field testing. Innovation has led to twenty-nine individual patent applications, based on critical component technologies developed specifically for the ISG.

“We are confident that after the launch of the new AUMAN GTL, it will be seen driven across Latin America and bring significant changes to the local logistics industry,” said Foton Motor EVP Mr. Wang Xiangyin.

Foton has again made another successful highlight, following another Dakar media release. As the collective appearance of Foton’s Dakar race team stroke a pose on stage, the atmosphere inside the moon dome was brought to a new climax. Foton will take part in the 2015 Dakar Rally, as Foton enters in its second competition since its inaugural year in 2014. For the competition in 2015, in addition to TUNLAND racing trucks, Foton’s AUMAN heavy-duty trucks will be present for the first time as supply vehicles, to provide backup and support for all TUNLAND racing trucks throughout the course of the race.

It is worth noting that, apart from previous participants in the 2014 Dakar Rally, we are also inviting Atacama Desert Rally female champion Paula Galvez to join the team.

AUMAN GTL OFFICIAL WEBSITE: aumanisg.foton-global.com

Foton Thailand holds launch conference of Auman CKD new models

Foton Thailand holds launch conference of Auman CKD new models

Published November 10, 2015

On October 16, 2015, the launch conference of Foton Auman CKD new models took place in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand. Present were partners and industrial leaders including Ron K T Lim, president of Tan Chong-Foton Thailand and Tawat puangchang, secretary-general of Nakhon Sawan Logistics Association, Thai journalists and all staff of Foton’s overseas representative office.

These new Auman models had been modified into different types of trucks such as dump truck, van truck, flatbed truck and truck-mounted cranes, to meet local customers’ different demands. Price-off promotions were presented for some models during the launch conference. At the launch conference, Foton’s celebrity endorser introduced these models’ basic parameters to customers in detail, analyzed and compared the models from aspects such as price, use cost and service parts, receiving a strong response. Four customers placed orders that night, producing prominent effects.

The new models were launched in Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Surathani Surat Thani and Korat respectively, covering Foton’s key sales areas in Thailand. Amid the economic slump, the Thai medium & heavy-duty truck market has continued to shrink. Foton has not sat around in trouble, but forged ahead, took measures and increased input by launching new models, presenting price-off promotions for conventional models and conducting service follow-up on all customers, laying a solid foundation for continuous business development. It is believed that Foton Thailand will yield rich fruits under the guidance of Foton’s business strategies and with the concerted efforts of all overseas employees of Foton.
Prior to the launch conference, a press conference was held to fully enhance the event’s influence.

Foton Heavy-duty Trucks Appear at Groundbreaking Ceremony of China-Thailand Railway

Foton Heavy-duty Trucks Appear at Groundbreaking Ceremony of China-Thailand Railway

Published December 25, 2015

On December 19, witnessed by Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Jantong, the China-Thailand Railway project was launched. In this demonstration project symbolizing the practical cooperation between the two countries, Foton Motor will act as a leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer with its dump trucks. At the ceremony, the uniform machinery and equipment made in China were the focus of media attention.
With a full length of 845 kilometers, a designed speed of 180km/h and a reserved speed of 250km/h, the project will fully use Chinese technologies, standards and equipment. Chinese State Council Premier, Li Keqiang, said that the Chinese equipment is of a high level, and the project will be conducive to the upgrading of Chinese equipment and export, and to the utilization of China’s surplus production capacity, thus benefiting both countries.
Since the “the Belt and Road Initiative” came into effect, Foton Motor has employed its existing advantages in overseas operations and seized the opportunity to “going out” in an accelerated manner. As a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, Foton Motor has taken full advantage of its resources and product line abroad, and duly launched corresponding products based on different countries’ individual demands in such aspects as infrastructure and logistics, so as to effect good marketing.
According to the source, connected to the China-Laos Railway, the China-Thailand Railway will accomplish railway interconnection between China and Thailand, and vigorously promote the exchange and cooperation of ASEAN countries in fields such as trade, investment, logistics, tourism, technology and culture. At the same time, the cooperation will improve Thailand’s transport infrastructure, increase job opportunities to improve the people’s livelihood, facilitate travel for people along the railway, and promote economic and social development. All these will provide a strong guarantee for Foton Motor’s further development in Thailand.

Flatbed trucks

ETX medium-duty flatbed trucks are versatile, designed for both short-distance workloads and long-distance hauls is designed for short distance or longer transportation. Because the wheelbase comes in several options, ETX medium-duty flatbed trucks can be easily modified into a range of special purpose vehicles. ETX medium-duty flatbed trucks are powered by Cummins ISF, Cummins ISDe or Wechai engines. ETX medium-duty flatbed trucks are powered by Cummins engines or LOVOL Engines

ENGINE

ETX medium-duty flatbed trucks are equipped with Cummins ISF 3.8 four-valve performance engines. Cummins ISF engines are more powerful, have reduced fuel consumption and maximum torque is higher than that of similar in-class trucks. Main components are supplied by qualified international companies with quality guaranteed. With Cummins’ electronically controlled cold start, ETX medium-duty flatbed trucks can be effortlessly started in temperatures of -40 ℃. Completely meets Euro-IV emissions standards.

Fuel Efficient

Developed exclusively for local markets, ETX medium-duty flatbed truck engines are the result of actual feedback on requirements and working conditions of end users.

Complete vehicle integrates Foton Daimler technology, in cooperation with Austrian AVL and long-term partnerships with renowned international suppliers.

The characteristic outer curve of the engine reduces weight and increases fuel economy.

The characteristic outer curve of the engine reduces weight and increases fuel economy.

Engine feature a four-valve intake, an efficient Honeywell turbocharger and a 180 bar high-pressure fuel pump. The 180 bar high-pressure fuel pump, along with centrally-placed fuel injectors, result in excellent fuel atomization and higher fuel efficiency.

MEDIUM & HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS – GTL TRACTORS

Auman GTL high-end trucks are produced by Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd and meet international standards. Auman GTL trucks are recommended for long-distance logistics and transportation. Trucks have a simplified-yet-modern exterior, feature an advanced safety system, and are fuel efficient and comfortable. Auman GTL trucks are among Foton's most immensely popular, best-selling line of heavy-duty trucks. GTL trucks are powered by Cummins ISG or Weichai engines.

ENGINE

Beginning in 2014, Cummins ISG series engines are made in the Foton Cummins factory. ISG engines are the result of a joint cooperation between American Cummins, Foton Cummins and Foton’s third-party partners. Engines come in 11-Liter and 12-Liter versions (350 hp to 490 hp) and emissions standards can reach Euro-VI. Below are the technical highlights of ISG-powered vehicles.
·  Light-weight modularized design reduces parts and simplifies maintenance
·  iBrake braking technology ensures safety
·  Innovative cooling and lubricating system reduces energy consumption, prolongs vehicle life
·  High-pressure fuel injection system improves power, lowers fuel consumption
·  Patented filtration makes it possible to change oil every 100,000km
·  LBSC improves work efficiency
·  Accurate remote diagnostics and advanced warning system
·  Leading emission technologies for stricter emission requirements

MEDIUM & HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS – ETX DUMP TRUCKS

ETX dump trucks feature a classic powertrain and advanced technologies, which includes the world’s leading transmissions and engines. ETX dump trucks have proven to be extremely reliable. ETX dump trucks are recommended for mining projects or sediment transport operations.ETX dump trucks are powered By Weichai Engines.

ENGINE

10-Liter to 12-Liter diesel engines (270-380 hp) are mature, tried-and-tested technology. ETX dump trucks handle well in various working conditions. Weichai WD series engines also perform at a lower RPM and with high torque, have quick acceleration and great climbing performance. Completely meets Euro-II emissions standards.