In the first quarter, the company recorded total sales of 184,000 units, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.8%. Overseas sales reached 54,000 units, up 34.4% year-on-year. In March alone, overseas sales surged by 45% compared with the same period last year.

The latest performance underscores Foton Motor’s strategic shift from a traditional export-driven model to a more localized and ecosystem-based global approach. The company is increasingly focusing on long-term market development, moving beyond product sales to establishing a sustainable presence in key overseas markets.

At the core of this strategy is what the company describes as “new localization,” supported by full industry chain collaboration. Through a comprehensive global layout, Foton Motor is building a competitive advantage that integrates manufacturing, technology, and services.

Expanding Local Manufacturing Footprint

As part of its localization strategy, Foton Motor has been accelerating the development of local manufacturing capabilities in major international markets.

To date, the company has established 32 localized factories worldwide, forming a production network that spans Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Key markets including Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand have become important hubs for its regional operations.

In Latin America, Foton has set up the first localized production line for Chinese commercial vehicles in Brazil, marking a transition from vehicle imports to local manufacturing. The move enables faster response to market demand and supports Brazil’s re-industrialization efforts. Products such as the ALL NEW AUMARK light truck have gained positive market traction, with steadily increasing market share.

In the Middle East, the company has continued to deepen its presence. In 2025, Foton Motor signed a four-party memorandum of understanding in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step forward in its localization efforts and positioning the company as a key participant in the country’s Vision 2030 industrial development plan.

In Southeast Asia, Foton’s Thailand plant has demonstrated rapid growth. Within just a few months, the facility ramped up from the rollout of its first heavy-duty truck to the delivery of its 2,000th unit. In 2025, the plant expanded its portfolio to include new energy vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and light-duty trucks, serving a wide range of customer needs across the region.

Strengthening Industry Chain Collaboration

Alongside local manufacturing, Foton Motor is reinforcing its global competitiveness through closer collaboration across the industry chain.

Traditionally, automakers and suppliers operated independently in overseas markets, often resulting in supply chain inefficiencies and limited service capabilities. Foton Motor has adopted a different approach by promoting coordinated expansion with key partners.

The company has established strategic partnerships with industry leaders including Huawei, CATL, and Cummins to build what it calls a “super power ecosystem alliance,” aimed at integrating upstream and downstream resources.

In the field of electrification and intelligent technologies, Foton is working with Huawei Digital Power to develop integrated solutions for commercial vehicles. One example is a 2400A liquid-cooled megawatt charging system capable of delivering approximately 100 kilometers of range in five minutes, significantly improving charging efficiency for heavy-duty electric trucks.

The two companies formalized their cooperation in 2025 and plan to expand the deployment of this technology in overseas markets, including South America and Europe, to address charging challenges in long-haul operations.

Foton’s X Business Unit also plays a supporting role in ecosystem development. In Saudi Arabia, it has partnered with local dealers to expand into the used vehicle segment. In Vietnam, it is working with Yunnan Maini to establish a nationwide parts distribution and service network.

Enhancing Global Logistics Capabilities

Foton Motor has also strengthened its logistics capabilities to support global operations. Moving beyond traditional outsourcing, the company has formed joint ventures with major shipping and port operators to improve control over its supply chain.

In February 2026, Foton partnered with Shandong Port Group to establish a joint venture focused on integrating manufacturing and logistics. In March 2026, the company further expanded its logistics network through a partnership with COSCO Shipping, enhancing its export capacity.

These initiatives have helped Foton Motor improve supply chain resilience, reduce costs, and deliver more efficient services to overseas markets, while also promoting Chinese standards and service systems globally.

The strong performance in March 2026 marks not only a solid start to the year but also a new phase in Foton Motor’s global development.

According to its long-term plan, the company aims to exceed 300,000 units in annual overseas sales by 2030. The continued growth seen in early 2026 provides a solid foundation for achieving this target.

Driven by its localization strategy and industry collaboration model, Foton Motor is expanding its presence in global markets and delivering more efficient and sustainable commercial vehicle solutions. The company’s approach also offers a reference for other Chinese manufacturers pursuing international growth.

Source : www.chinatrucks.org

Editor : Mia

Views : 2371

Tags : FOTON