China’s Foton returning to Australia with utes and vans

AutoExec Summary
Foton, a Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer, is set to return to the Australian market with a range of utes and vans in late 2024 through Inchcape as its new distributor. The lineup may include hybrid powertrains alongside internal-combustion engines, with specific models yet to be announced. The Foton Tunland utes are expected to be part of the lineup, potentially featuring turbo-diesel engines and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The Foton View and Toano vans are also likely candidates for the Australian market. Inchcape will finalize the model range closer to the relaunch. Foton previously exited the Australian market in 2019 after a series of importers. Foton Mobility, a separate Australian-owned company, continues to operate in the electric vehicle segment.

Brands mentioned: Foton, Subaru, Peugeot, Citroen, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Asiastar