On March 26, Guangzhou Yuanfu Automotive Supply Chain Co., Ltd., a joint venture established by FOTON Motor and COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers, officially held its inauguration ceremony.A roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel branded with the FOTON Motor and COSCO logos was also formally delivered.Meanwhile, 600 FOTON pickups were lined up at the port, ready to be shipped to South America aboard the newly delivered vessel Kai Yuankou as the first large-scale export order under the joint venture’s operational capacity system.
From strategic planning to on-the-ground implementation, these two key initiatives have been advanced in tandem. This represents a milestone upgrade for FOTON Motor as it deepens its ‘comprehensive internationalization’ strategy, and marks the official establishment of an independent, controllable, stable and efficient global maritime supply chain system. It drives FOTON Motor’s transformative upgrade from ‘product exports’ to a ‘systematic global presence’.
With a strategic first-move, breaking through the core challenges of overseas expansion
As a leading brand that has ranked primary in China’s commercial vehicle overseas sales for 15 consecutive years, FOTON Motor has been deeply engaged in global markets with an international vision.To date, its cumulative overseas sales have exceeded 1.25 million units, with sales and service networks covering more than 140 countries and regions around the global market
In 2025, sales of fresh energy products exceeded 101,200 units, a year-on-year growth of 87.21%, far surpassing the industry average, with the scale of new energy product exports continuing to rise. The local manufacturing base in Brazil was completed and put into operation, marking a key step in the localization of production in the South American market. In South Africa, the factory began mass production of AMT heavy trucks and pickup CKDs, further strengthening its localized operations in the African market. The Thailand plant now produces for Southeast Asia, advancing the ‘local production + regional distribution’ strategy and steadily increasing market penetration in the region. In 2025, FOTON Motor achieved overseas sales of 164,500 units, with its global presence continuing to expand. Meanwhile, the fresh energy business has become the core engine driving FOTON Motor’s global leadership.
As export volumes steadily expand andFOTON Motor’sglobal business footprint continues to grow, the fluctuating global trade landscape and geopolitical disruptions have highlighted issues with the traditional fragmented approach to cargo space procurement. Problems such as price volatility, uncontrollable shipping capacity, and unstable delivery schedules have become common bottlenecks limiting the high-quality international expansion of Chinese commercial vehicle companies. To establish a strong foothold in the global market and sustain long-term growth, it is essential to gain full control over the supply chain.
The establishment of a joint venture with COSCO SHIPPING Special Transport is a proactive strategic move by FOTON Motor to meet its global development needs. Moving beyond the traditional logistics outsourcing model, FOTON Motor has formed a long-term strategic partnership with COSCO SHIPPING Special Transport. By leveraging COSCO’s established global shipping operations, extensive global route network, and comprehensive logistics services, combined with FOTON Motor’s large-scale export orders and well-developed overseas market network, the partnership truly realizes complementary strengths and mutual empowerment.
Empowering through a system, solidifying the foundation for global development
The establishment of Yuanfu Supply Chain Co., Ltd. marks not only the implementation of a partnership, but also a comprehensive upgrade of FOTON Motor’s global supply chain system.Through in-depth integration of the complementary strengths of both parties, FOTON Motor has secured stable, long-term core transportation capacity. This has transformed logistics costs from a reactive variable into a proactive, strategically manageable investment, providing stronger support for the company’s global development.
Leveraging this platform, FOTON Motor will be able to access customized maritime shipping services for complete vehicles, KD parts, components and general cargo in line with the actual needs of overseas regional markets.Of greater strategic significance, self-controlled ocean freight capacity will empower the enterprise in three key aspects:In terms of delivery, it will effectively cushion cyclical fluctuations in the international shipping market, enabling customers worldwide to enjoy more punctual and reliable delivery.In terms of cost, long-term in-depth cooperation will help integrate end-to-end logistics expenses, which not only strengthens the price competitiveness of products in overseas markets but also helps the business maintain healthy profit margins.In terms of strategy, by taking advantage of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers’ global logistics network and the continuous expansion of its 7,500-unit LNG-fueled pure car and commercial vehicle carrier fleet, FOTON Motor’s ‘maritime supply chain’ will be deeply integrated into the global shipping network. This will support a more steady and flexible development pace for the company, whether in further developing key regions along the Belt and Road Initiative or exploring emerging markets such as Latin America and Africa.
The 600 FOTON pickups fully prepared at the vessel delivery site serve as a powerful testament to the successful implementation of this supply chain system, from strategic planning to practical application.These upcoming shipments not only reflect the high recognition of FOTON pickup performance in the South American market, but also mark the official operational launch of the customized logistics and transportation system of the joint venture.
With united efforts, sailing toward the deep blue seas of globalization
Commenting on the inauguration of the joint venture, Zhu Youfu, Vice President of FOTON Motor, stated that the joint venture with COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers is a natural step as the company’s overseas business has grown to its current scale.This is not only a latest partnership but also an upgrade to FOTON Motor’s comprehensive internationalization strategy.
Zhang Chi, Deputy General Manager of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers, stated that the company is committed to supporting the global development of Chinese enterprises. By strengthening cooperation with FOTON Motor, the two parties will set a new benchmark for synergy between the automotive and shipping industries, and contribute to building a secure and resilient supply chain for Chinese vehicles going global.
Standing at a latest starting point of development at the age of 30,FOTON Motorwill leverage its Yuanfu Supply Chain Company as a cornerstone, supported by a self-controlled global maritime supply chain system, and remain firmly committed to its ‘comprehensive
internationalization’ strategy.This independently operated ‘maritime golden corridor’ will carry the ambition and strength of a leading player in China’s commercial vehicle industry, connecting global markets and serving customers worldwide in a more efficient manner.
This innovative practice of deep integration between automakers and shipping companies will not only lay a solid foundation for FOTON Motor’s global development, but also provide replicable and scalable experience for Chinese automakers in their coordinated expansion overseas. It will also contribute FOTON Motor’s efforts to enhancing the resilience and stability of the global supply chain for China’s automotive industry.
Looking ahead, FOTON Motor will move forward with greater determination, a more complete operational system and stronger competitiveness, accelerating its global development journey.It will continue to strengthen its presence in the global commercial vehicle industry and establish a more distinctive Chinese brand profile on the international scene stage.
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