Foton Motor Philippines participated in the recent two-day UAAGI Media Ride and Drive event showcasing its latest pickup truck models as well as a plant tour of its manufacturing facilities in Clark, Pampanga.
The ride and drive took members of the motoring media on a drive from Tim Horton’s at Eton Centris, QC, where the participants had breakfast followed by a briefing, with a quick stop at Petron Km. 42 on NLEX, before the group made a visit to the Foton plant in Clark for a factory tour.
The truck brand featured a specific theme for the event: “Rough It Out,” which featured four groundbreaking pickups in the Tunland V7, Tunland V9, Thunder Outback, and the fully electric Thunder EV.
NEW ENERGY VEHICLES
The Tunland V7 and Tunland V9 are full-size pickup trucks powered by powerful yet highly fuel-efficient diesel hybrid powertrains. Foton’s hybrid technology boasts German company Bosch’s state-of-the-art 48-volt hybrid system.
The motoring media got to experience the Tunland’s 161hp and 450Nm of torque, delivered via ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Other Tunland features include LED Matrix headlights, 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 8-way driver and 4-way front passengers power-adjustable seats, leather interior, push-button start/stop, and a luxury car-like center console auxiliary panel.
More electrified technology was showcased with the fully electric Thunder EV pickup. Boasting a driving range of 536 kilometers with its 88.55 kWh battery, the Thunder EV has a standard load capacity of 915 kilograms. It boasts a 1.5-hour fast charging capability to 100-percent battery power with a DC charger. Other features include cruise control, an electronic parking brake, and Sports and Eco driving models, among numerous other features.
Also included in the media drive was the sporty and rugged Thunder 4×4 AT Outback, which features handsome 18-inch Black Rhino Outback wheels, superb Nitto Terra Grappler tires, a front lift, a front nudge bar with LED lights, tire pressure monitoring system, and special Outback door decals.
The Thunder Thunder 4×4 AT Outback is powered by a clean-burning Euro V-compliant Aucan turbo-diesel engine developing 161hp and 390Nm mated to German company ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
MEDIA PLANT TOUR
After breakfast and a rest stop at Petron Km 42, the media delegates headed to the FOTON plant in Pampanga for the factory tour. FOTON Motor Philippines Inc. (FMPI) General Manager Levy Santos welcomed the media delegates and led the factory tour on board fully air conditioned Foton F29 Modern PUVs.
“Foton has the distinction of being the first and so far, only global automotive brand to set up operations inside Clark. The assembly plant sits on an 11,000-hectare area and is capable of producing 12,000 vehicles annually. FMPI employs a workforce of 700 employees and has been ISO-certified since 2019,” Levy Santos proudly declared.
The FMPI plant houses four major facilities. Building A covers the assembly area for passenger vehicles and light trucks. Building B serves as the spare parts warehouse, painting center, and pre-delivery inspection area. Building C is for body fabrication for the various light and medium trucks and commercial vehicles while Building D serves as the assembly area for heavy-duty trucks.
“Gleaning from the positive reactions and feedbacks from our media guests, we are glad to have been able to set the stage for our media friends to experience the many features and advantages of FOTON vehicles. These motoring experts who have driven a lot of cars in their line of work had such positive impressions about the new FOTON trucks which says a lot about the vehicles’ quality, design, features, and performance,” said United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) Chief Marketing Executive Lyn Buena in her closing remarks.*
