Foton In Australia: What’s Next?

Chinese truck and carmaker Foton has made its first significant appearance on the Australian market this week, with the introduction of the Tunland utility to Australia’s fiercely competitive light-commercial segment.

Until now, Australia has seen just very small numbers of Foton-branded buses and trucks imported under minor distribution arrangements.

The brand's new presence won’t stop with the Tunland though. New distributor Foton Automotive Australia (FAA) is planning to add an SUV model and 12-seat passenger van to the local line-up by the end of 2014.

(MORE: Click to read TMR's launch review.) 

These models are currently available on the Chinese domestic market as the Tunland CX and View W. However, FAA’s Daniel Phelan has confirmed plans to use Australia-specific model names when they arrive locally.

The local introduction of the SUV model is also expected to see stability control (ESC) added to the Tunland utility line-up.