FOTON Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI), exclusive distributor of Foton vehicles in the Philippines, took part in the 107th anniversary celebration of the Land Transportation Office as the company on May 21-24 showcased its latest commuter vehicles at the LTO grounds on East Avenue, Quezon City.
Foton displayed three workhorses built for the various transport requirements of the Philippine market.
Included in the display were the Foton F-Jeepney, the brand’s entry in the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program; the utilitarian Foton Gratour TM MPV designed to move people and cargo of small and medium enterprises; and the TransVan HR suitable for private and more premium transport services.
“The launch of our commuter vehicles is a substantial effort to move the Philippines toward an efficient transportation network that is in line with the standards of our government, commuters and environment,” said FMPI president Rommel Sytin.
The F-Jeepney was derived from the brand’s bestselling light-duty truck, the Tornado 2.4C, with the rear body designed by Centro Manufacturing Corporation. It carries an ISF 2.8S41 17V CRDI four-cylinder, turbocharged Cummins diesel engine that is paired to a five-speed manual transmission. The engine generates 116hp at 3,200rpm and 260Nm of torque at 1,300–3,200rpm, and belongs in Foton’s lineup of Blue Energy Euro4-compliant powerplants designed for cleaner and more powerful mobility.
The F-Jeepney can accommodate up to 24 passengers — 16 seated and eight standing. With a length of 5,650mm, a width of 1,828mm width and a height of 2,615mm, the F-Jeepney is spacious, providing room for cargo. It has comparatively wider passenger doors, making ingress and egress easier.
“The birth of the F-Jeepney is also Foton’s way of supporting the government’s policy for economic and social development, and adapting its innovations and smart technologies to advance transportation efficacy,” Sytin said.
Aside from the essentials, the F-Jeepney is also equipped with air-conditioning, GPS navigation, CCTV and dashboard cameras, Wi-Fi connection and entertainment system to keep passengers comfortable and connected while on the road. The vehicle’s middle door is operated electronically, and supports cashless payments too.
Representing the smaller people-moving segment is the Gratour TM MPV, which is capable of carrying 14 passengers at the back and has a 1,455-kilogram payload capacity. The side-facing benches can be folded up to provide additional cargo room. Powering the Gratour TM is a 1.5-liter DAM15R four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 109hp at 6,000rpm and 142Nm of torque at 3,000-4,500rpm. The engine is matched to a five-speed manual gearbox.
“Our main mission is to improve basic infrastructure and provide public transportation services to drive economic and social development, to enhance Filipino livelihoods and sustainability, and to increase the country’s ability to compete,” Sytin said.
Specially designed for private transport, the TransVan HR uses the luxury oriented Foton Traveller as its base, adopting the Traveller’s high roof. The TransVan HR has 16 seats, dual air-conditioning, a full entertainment system, and power windows and door locks. It is also equipped with ABS with EBD and brake assist for added safety. To ensure that the TransVan HR has the power to pull its bigger and wider body, it is equipped with a 2.8-liter turbocharged common rail direct injection 4JB1 diesel engine.
“With these vehicles, commuting and transporting goods from point A to point B will be smooth, accessible and cost-effective,” Sytin said.
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