FOTON Motor has introduced two new full-size pickup models—the Tunland V7 and Tunland V9—in South Africa, strengthening its product lineup and advancing its localization strategy in the African market.

The launch coincided with the G20 Summit, where global discussions centered on sustainable development. FOTON used the occasion to highlight its long-term commitment to South Africa through continued investment and new product offerings.

Part of FOTON’s broader “Lighthouse Program” for Africa, the Tunland V series was developed specifically for the South African market. A company representative said the models were designed to deliver higher quality, improved intelligence, and long-term durability, underscoring Foton’s confidence in the country’s growth potential.

Hybrid Powertrain Targets Performance and Efficiency

The Tunland V series is FOTON’s first full-size pickup range equipped with a hybrid power system. Both models feature the company’s new 48V turbo diesel hybrid setup, paired with a 2.0L AUCAN engine and an 8AT ZF automatic transmission. The system delivers up to 120 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque.

Energy recovery technology and high-pressure combustion help reduce fuel consumption by 10%, with thermal efficiency reaching up to 50%, giving the pickups a competitive edge in both performance and efficiency.

The two models are aimed at different customer groups:

Tunland V7: Designed for work and utility, featuring a leaf-spring suspension for enhanced durability.

Tunland V9: Targeted at families and professional users, equipped with a multi-link coil-spring suspension to provide improved comfort and a more premium ride experience.

Upgraded Smart Features and Safety Technologies

All V-series models come with a significant upgrade in technology and comfort features, including a 14.6-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, synthetic leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless charging.

The pickups have earned a five-star C-NCAP safety rating and come standard with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. They also support L2.5 driver assistance, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping functions.

Localization Efforts Continue to Advance

FOTON has been accelerating its local footprint in South Africa. In March 2025, the company produced its first automatic heavy-duty tractor truck at its local facility. This was followed by the launch of the Truck Mate mini truck in June and the rollout of the first CKD pickup in September. The addition of the Tunland V series further broadens FOTON’s product portfolio in the country.

Since the launch of its Africa strategy in 2024, FOTON has expanded local investment through technology transfer, supply-chain development, and workforce training. The company has created more than 1,000 local jobs, supporting the growth of South Africa’s automotive sector.

FOTON plans to continue using South Africa as a core hub for its African operations. The company aims to expand its product range, increase localized production, enhance its sales and service network, and strengthen R&D capabilities. FOTON says it will continue delivering competitive commercial vehicle solutions to support the region’s transition toward greener and smarter transportation.

Source : www.chinatrucks.org

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