Who is Foton Motor — company background and history
About Foton
Foton Motor (BAIC Foton Motor Co., Ltd.) was founded in 1996 in Beijing, China, as a key commercial-vehicle subsidiary of BAIC Group, one of China’s largest automotive conglomerates. Over nearly three decades, Foton has grown from a domestic manufacturer to a major global commercial-vehicle exporter.
Key milestones in Foton Motor’s history include:
- 1996 — Foton Motor established as a commercial-vehicle brand under BAIC Group.
- 2000s — Expansion into light commercial vehicles and pickup trucks; partnership with Cummins for engine technology.
- 2008 — Launch of the AUMAN heavy-truck series, establishing Foton in the heavy-duty segment.
- 2010s — Global export expansion to Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia; launch of the Tunland pickup line.
- 2020s — New-energy vehicle expansion: EV buses, EV trucks, hybrid pickups (Tunland V9 with 48V mild hybrid), and partnerships with CATL for battery technology.
Today Foton exports to over 100 countries through the Foton International division. The official English-language global website is fotonintl.com.
Pricing and payment terms
Pricing: Request quotation (sales@fotonintl.com). Quotation includes FOB Qingdao (factory, ex-works), CIF to major African, Asian, and LATAM ports, or alternative trade terms per buyer preference.
Standard quotation validity: 30 days. Production lead time 45-60 days from PO confirmation.
Bulk / distributor pricing: Available for orders of 10+ units; specific tier pricing issued on direct inquiry.
Shipping and delivery
Production: 45-60 days from PO confirmation.
Shipping terms: FOB Qingdao / Shanghai / Tianjin — CIF available to major African & LATAM ports.
Sea transit: ~28–35 days from Qingdao to Global ports (major African, Asian, and LATAM ports).
Payment terms: T/T — 30% deposit on contract signing, 70% balance against B/L copy. L/C at sight also accepted (Irrevocable L/C at sight).
MOQ: 1 unit for sample orders; 10+ units for distributor pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warranty on Foton vehicles?
Foton International offers standard manufacturer warranty for Global buyers. Specific terms (months / kilometers) vary by model and component; consult your quotation. Warranty claims are processed through authorized channels.
How long does shipping take from China?
Standard production 45-60 days from PO + sea transit 28-35 days from Qingdao to major Global ports. CIF quotes include estimated arrival.
What payment terms does Foton accept?
T/T (deposit + balance against B/L copy) and Irrevocable L/C at sight. Other terms (D/P, OA) available for established buyers case-by-case.
Are spare parts available in Global?
Foton International maintains spare-parts supply through authorized channels. Lead time for common parts is typically 7-14 days via air, 30-45 days via sea. Specific channel availability depends on Global.
What documentation is required for import?
Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin (China), and country-specific certifications (e.g., SONCAP for Nigeria, KBS for Kenya). Full document checklist issued with each contract.
Sources & data references
~桌面/福田拓路者皮卡产品宣传画册_V7-V9-E-G7-G9.pdf (Foton Tunland product brochure)~桌面/销售合同-中英文 福田收款账户(ELE4-7.5T).doc (standard export sales contract template)
Related questions
- [Related: All Foton vehicles for Global](https://fotonintl.com/country/global/)
- [Related: Foton International contact & sales team](https://fotonintl.com/sales-agent/)
- [Related: How to import Foton vehicles — full guide](https://fotonintl.com/qa/import-process/)
- [Related: Foton spare parts ordering & lead time](https://fotonintl.com/qa/parts-ordering/)
- [Related: Foton warranty terms — global policy](https://fotonintl.com/qa/warranty-global/)