Automotive company Foton South Africa on October 29 launched the Tunland V9 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and introduced two Galaxus heavy commercial models, at the group’s Beijing Automotive Industry Holding (BAIC) Foton Africa Partners Conference, in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

The Foton Tunland V9 PHEV introduces plug-in hybrid technology to the Tunland range, combining rechargeable electric driving with the flexibility of a petrol engine.

This model combines a 2 ℓ PHEV turbocharged petrol engine with front and rear electric motors, a 32.8 kWh battery and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.

The powertrain delivers a combined output of 350 kW and up to 800 Nm of torque.

There is an electric driving range of up to 110 km for shorter journeys, while the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) combined driving range of 1 000 km supports longer-distance travel.

It aimed to provide threefold benefits, serving as an everyday all-rounder, an outdoor adventurer and a work partner, Foton Motor South Africa light commercial vehicle manager Gary van der Berg said, outlining the model at the conference.

He acclaimed that the vehicle could be fast charged to 80% in half an hour.

The Tunland V9 PHEV combines its electrified powertrain with a double-cab bakkie.

It measures 5 617 mm long and 2 090 mm wide, offering full-size proportions and a load box measuring 1 580 mm long, 1 650 mm wide and 500 mm deep.

A 220 V external power supply enables the vehicle to power compatible tools, camping appliances and lighting within the system’s operating limits.

Driver-assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning.

TRUCK EXPANSION
The introduction of two Galaxus models, the C5 and the R5, bolsters Foton’s heavy commercial offering.

The Galaxus C5, said to be built for African conditions, targets mining heavy haulage, timber transport and heavy and oversized haulage.

It boasts 860 000 km of reliability testing, a 16 t class 300 drive axle and is built to withstand heat and humidity with 30% corrosion resistance.

Meanwhile, the Galaxus R5 aims to cater to African truck routes, targeting cross-border truck routes, port collection and distribution and fuel transport.

It is said to be fast and fuel-efficient, engendering 5% in fuel savings, which is anticipated to provide benefits in the long term.

Its safety features were highlighted, with this model passing an ECE R29.03 frontal crash test and a cab rearward displacement test.

The model is designed for long-haul essentials, comprising a wider sleeper berth, floor space and all-new generation Grammer seats.

It offers threefold adaption for the varied African climates of high temperature, coastal and high altitude. 

“Commercial vehicles must be developed around the work customers need them to perform. The Galaxus introduction broadens our offering for operators with different requirements, while reinforcing the importance of vehicle suitability, driver needs and support throughout the vehicle’s working life,” BAIC Foton International president Wu Zongtian said.

The vehicles are expected to be available in South Africa early next year.

The launch aligned with BAIC Foton’s Africa strategy, which was outlined at the conference by Zongtian, who pointed out that the company was aiming to be the leading brand of commercial vehicles in South Africa and Africa, targeting 30 000 units in the country and 110 000 units in the continent in 2030.

He highlighted that while EV penetration was low in Africa at the moment, it offered considerable growth potential moving forward owing to rising fuel prices and sustainability imperatives, and the company was poised to capitalise on this, building on its expertise from China.

This strategy is hinged on a localised product portfolio, ecosystem solution capability and co-building and deep local operations.

In terms of the latter, this entails training centres, knockdown plants and spare parts warehouses. 

As part of this, the company also announced the official inauguration and operation of the Africa Regional Training Centre in South Africa, with training beginning simultaneously. Centred on South Africa and extending across the African market, it will build a multi-level training system to share technical standards and service experience with local teams.

BAIC Foton will also strengthen dealers’ service management capabilities in spare parts stocking, maintenance processes and response efficiency.

Eastern Cape Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC Nonkqubela Ntomboxolo Pieters welcomed the launch of the centre, saying it had the potential to become an important platform for skills transfer, technical excellence and workforce development across the African continent.

“As Eastern Cape, we stand ready to partner with industry to ensure that our young people are equipped to participate meaningfully in the opportunities created by the future automotive economy,” she averred.

Pieters also lauded the province as a leading automative hub and pointed out that the launches underscored the company’s commitment to the region and were aligned to the Eastern Cape’s industrialisation drive.

She also welcomed BAIC Foton’s commitment to localisation and supplier development as part of its long-term investment in the country.

Foton is looking to boost capacity at its manufacturing operation in Gqeberha, where completely knockdown vehicle production started this year.  

The facility has a yearly production capacity of about 50 000 vehicles, providing scope to increase output as demand develops.

“Gqeberha is an important part of our long-term commitment to South Africa. Developing local manufacturing means building production capability alongside the skills and supplier relationships needed to sustain it. Our focus is on strengthening that foundation as we develop opportunities in South Africa and across African markets,” said BAIC Foton International VP Luo Yunjie.