Inchcape, local distributor of Subaru, has been appointed as the Australian distributor for Chinese commercial vehicle brand Foton, but electric truck models will still be distributed by Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD).
Inchcape will bring a range of Foton ‘new energy’ and internal combustion utes and vans, and internal combustion trucks to Australia from Q4 this year.
The new custodian for Foton in Australia says it will initially focus on growing the presence of the Chinese brand’s light-duty trucks and new generation utes, before introducing vans into the mix “within the following year”. Inchcape has confirmed electrified Foton utes and vans are also on the horizon.
The partnership will leverage the strengths of both parties, including Inchcape’s well-established local distribution experience and Foton’s commercial vehicle manufacturing expertise across fuel and new energy solutions.
“The addition of the Foton distributorship enables Inchcape to diversify its local distribution portfolio by entering entirely new segments of the Australian market, including utes and light-duty trucks, and further strengthen our presence in the light commercial vehicle segment with FOTON’s vans also forming part of the local product pipeline,” said Managing Director at Inchcape Australasia, Colin Christie.
Meanwhile, Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD) CEO and Founder, Neil Wang, has reasserted that FMD has a current and binding distribution agreement with Foton International. The agreement covers the distribution of Foton EV light- and medium-duty trucks, Foton EV buses and Foton hydrogen buses in Australia.
After topping the Australian EV truck sales charts in 2023, (and leading again as of June 2024) Foton Mobility Distribution remains the local leader in the zero-emission light-duty truck market.
Boasting a customer list that includes Woolworths, IKEA, Bunnings, Ausgrid and Kennards Hire, FMD says it is confident that Australian companies will continue to choose Foton EV light trucks for their zero-emission transition into the future.
“The logistics industry has recognised that it is time to respond to the climate challenge, and here at Foton, we are fortunate to bring to market a package that leads the field in so many ways,” Mr Wang said.
“We are also heartened by feedback from these fleets, who note that the car licence-accessible EV options in their ranks help them attract and retain drivers.
“The feedback from the drivers themselves is terrific, the trucks present a comfortable working environment, with a distinct lack of fumes, heat, and vibrations so prevalent in Diesel trucks.
“And best of all, these positives are on top of the outstanding green credentials of the trucks, which are assisting companies in reaching their environmental targets, both here and abroad.”
