Foton PH opens assembly plant in Clarkfield

Foton, the Philippines’ biggest Chinese automotive brand, has been making inroads in the local automotive market. Starting in 2006, Foton initially targeted the entrepreneurial and corporate accounts in the private sector. As time went on, Foton was slowly accepted in the public sector with government institutions buying fleets of pickup trucks and other commercial vehicles. One can see a growing number of Foton pickup trucks and vans being used as local government ambulances, police patrol units and even public utility vans on today’s roads.

Foton passenger and commercial vehicles come in various platforms for personal, government and business applications.

Its continued growing market presence can also be felt in major trade shows and motor shows like the Manila International Auto Show, Worldbex Construction show and Philconstruct events with its massive pavilion displays. Foton has also made its mark by holding  its own single-brand show dubbed as 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 a very favorable value.  The Tagalog word “palitan” means “exchange,” which promoted generous price valuations for trade-in units in exchange for brand-new Foton vehicles.

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.

Foton’s line up includes SUVs, pickup trucks, light and heavy duty trucks as well as heavy equipment.

This week, it marked its biggest expansion ever with the opening of its 10-hectare manufacturing facility in Clark, Pampanga, catering to both the growing domestic market as well as potentially exporting Foton vehicles assembled in the Philippines throughout the Southeast Asian region. According to Foton PH, it will initially be assembling its most popular models. With its own manufacturing hub, Foton PH will be able to manage its stock-keeping inventory and assure continuous availability of units.

Foton has one of the most diversified lineups of commercial vehicles ranging from its passenger vehicles, pickups and vans to light- and heavy-duty trucks, and heavy machineries. It currently has 18 dealerships all over the Philippines and 6 more to open this year, boasting the biggest dealer network for a Chinese automotive brand.

With its initial capital expenditure of over Php1.2 billion, the new plant broke ground in 2013 and currently has 500 employees with an estimated annual capacity of 12,000 units for 1 assembly line. Initial assembly testing started last quarter of 2015 and February 12 marks the formal plant inauguration and ceremonial roll-out of its first batch of assembled vehicle. A second assembly line is planned to commence operation in 2 to 3 years, with plans to export to neighboring ASEAN countries such as Laos and Taiwan in the near future.