Foton Mobility Distribution and KRW Motor Group have announced their official entry into the New Zealand market, marking a major step forward in the trans-Tasman rollout of zero emissions commercial transport. The expansion will see KRW Hydron NZ offer a full suite of diesel, electric, and hydrogen-powered vehicles – including buses, light-duty trucks, and a 49-tonne hydrogen fuel cell prime mover – backed by local expertise and support.
The move follows two years of strong performance in Australia, where Foton Mobility Distribution has become the market leader in zero emissions light-duty trucks. The company has also secured a 126-unit order for electric city buses from Transport for NSW, cementing its presence in both the bus and truck sectors.
Product Lineup and Local Partnerships
KRW Hydron NZ will offer the full DFAC light-duty truck range, suited for last-mile delivery, refrigerated freight, construction, and local government fleets. These trucks include:
- 6-tonne model featuring a EURO 6 Cummins diesel engine, DANA axles, and FAST 6-speed AMT
- 9.5-tonne model with an 8-speed FAST AMT gearbox
Safety is a priority across the DFAC lineup, with standard features including Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, and ECE R29-compliant cabin strength certification.
The Foton bus range includes both diesel coaches and next-generation EV and hydrogen city buses. All electric and hydrogen buses meet New Zealand’s RUB (Requirements for Urban Buses) standards, ensuring full compliance and suitability for public transport operators.
Strategic Support Across New Zealand
To ensure a seamless customer experience, KRW Hydron NZ has enlisted a trio of experienced local partners:
- Coachwork Central (CWC) – will handle bus compliance and sales support for coach and school bus customers.
- Heavy Vehicle & Machinery Solutions (HVMS) – appointed as the preferred aftersales agent for the full vehicle range.
- East Coast Heavy Diesel (ECHD) – working alongside HVMS to deliver aftersales service nationwide.
Mark Irving from HVMS stated, “HVMS is proud to have been appointed as KRW Hydron’s preferred after sales agent across the full range of vehicles for the New Zealand market. We look forward to supporting Neil Wang and the KRW Hydron team by providing every customer with a premium level of servicing at all times. HVMS, in conjunction with ECHD and selected industry partners, will deliver service offerings in all major cities nationwide.”
CWC Director Neil Alexander added, “CWC are pleased to be continuing a strong association with Foton Buses and their new sales and distribution representative for New Zealand, KRW Hydron NZ. We look forward to being able to support the Foton product both in New Zealand and offshore during the build process, to ensure the quality and specialist requirements of the New Zealand market are not just met but exceeded.”
A Veteran’s Vision for Growth
KRW Motor Group Founder Neil Wang brings deep experience to the venture, having sold vehicles into the New Zealand market for many years. Commenting on the expansion, Wang said: “Now with the support from three major brands, we have a full product range to offer to our Kiwi customers. Our objective is to help our customers to be more competitive in their home market with the added certainty of quality after-sales support from our local partners.”
The jewel in the crown of the product range is the Quantum H53 hydrogen fuel cell prime mover – a 49-tonne heavy-duty truck that is currently on the New Zealand Government’s approved whitelist and available for delivery now.
An Opportunity for Fleets on Both Sides of the Tasman
This expansion marks a significant milestone for fleets in New Zealand seeking cleaner, compliant, and future-ready transport solutions. With proven products, strong after-sales support, and the benefit of established success in Australia, KRW Hydron NZ enters the market with a robust foundation.
Fleet Managers and Procurement Officers across local government, logistics, public transport, and infrastructure sectors now have access to a diverse lineup of vehicles tailored to reduce emissions without compromising performance or support.
As the transition to low- and zero-emission transport accelerates globally, partnerships like this one between Foton Mobility Distribution and KRW Hydron NZ signal a maturing market – and a growing commitment to sustainable transport solutions across Australasia.