Foton’s 2020 vision

FOTON’s first assembly line in the Philippines is capable of rolling out 12,000 units annually.

FOTON, the country’s biggest Chinese automotive brand, recently inaugurated its expansive 11-hectare assembly plant located inside Clark Freeport Zone.

The brand has been making inroads in the local automotive market since 2006 by initially targeting the private sector. Eventually, it was able to penetrate the public sector by offering fleets of pickup trucks and other commercial vehicles such as patrol cars and ambulances vehicles to government institutions.

During the assembly plant inauguration, Foton’s partner banks, financial institutions, trade suppliers and dealers witnessed the formal opening of the first-ever Chinese brand assembly plant of its Toplander model in the assembly line.

The event was witnessed and attended by dignitaries in the public sector including Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, Clark Development Corp. president lawyer Art Tugade, Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova, and Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina.

Foton Philippines president Rommel Sytin welcomed guests and reminisced its long journey in penetrating the local market through perseverance and a single-minded focus to bring the Foton brand where it is today. “Having been in the automotive industry for quite a while already, this assembly plant is truly the ultimate goal that my brothers and I had,” said Sytin.

He also commended his Foton family and principals for showing their support in making sure they achieve their 2020 vision.

Its first year of business sold only 100 units back in 2007. In 2015, it had grown to 4,000 sold units. “By the year 2020, Foton Philippines aims to achieve an annual sales volume of 20,000 units,” Sytin added.

Foton started its foray in the highly competitive market with its continued presence in major trade shows and motor shows like the Manila International Auto Show, Worldbex construction show and Philconstruct.

FOTON’S assembly plant facade

It also made its mark by holding a single-brand show dubbed the Foton Big Show.

The event started off as a “Palitan Fest” back in 2010, enticing new Foton buyers by allowing them to trade in their old vehicles at very favorable prices.

The Filipino word palitan means “exchange,” which promoted generous price valuations for trade-in units in exchange for brand-new Foton vehicles.

THE SYTIN family and special guests raise a glass after inaugurating the company’s new assembly plant in the Clark Freeport Zone.

Foton was also the first Chinese brand to be widely accepted in major banks, leasing institutions and insurance companies, a big plus to its growing range of passenger vehicles, light- and heavy-duty trucks, and heavy machineries.

With an initial capital expenditure of over P1.2 billion, the new plant broke ground in 2013 and currently has 500 employees with an estimated annual capacity of 12,000 units for one assembly line.

Initial assembly testing started last quarter of 2015. The formal plant inauguration and ceremonial roll-out of its first batch of assembled vehicle was on Feb. 12.

FOTON PH president Rommel Sytin

A second assembly line is planned to commence operation in two to three years, with plans to export to neighboring Asean countries like Laos and Taiwan in the near future.

“Along with the continued expansion of our dealership and service network, our production facility signifies Foton’s intent to be in the Philippines for the long haul,” Sytin said.

He also noted that the new assembly plant provides new jobs.

CDC president Atty. Art Tugade

“In all that I do, the greatest satisfaction is in knowing that aside from reaching for my dreams, I have also helped and changed the lives of others,” Sytin said.