On March 17, the first heavy truck AMT in South Africa rolled off the production line at BEIQI Group's South Africa factory. The milestone marks a major upgrade in FOTON's localized production capability and a meaningful step forward in the company's Africa strategy and broader global expansion.
Localized Manufacturing to Create a Benchmark for the African Industry
Since releasing its Africa strategy in June 2024, FOTON has accelerated its full industry chain layout in South Africa under the Lighthouse Plan. As the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BEIQI Group, the Port Elizabeth factory in South Africa, with a total investment of US$226 million and a footprint of 540,000 square metres, has become the largest automotive manufacturing project in South Africa in 40 years.
The heavy truck production line signals that the South African factory is moving toward a production system that covers all major categories, laying a stronger foundation for serving the wider African market. In time, the plant will rely on localized R&D, marketing, training, and parts distribution centres to strengthen regional supply chain resilience and support the shift from product export to industrial empowerment.
Empowering Sustainable Regional Development with Localized Solutions
FOTON continues to position South Africa as a core anchor point in its globalization strategy. By deepening the integration of local manufacturing, service, finance, and new energy, the company is supporting technology transfer and localized talent development, creating more than 1,000 jobs in South Africa and helping grow upstream and downstream industry clusters.
The South African factory uses the SKD production model and works with local partners to improve supply chain efficiency and respond more flexibly to diverse African market needs. The heavy truck that rolled off the line was developed around South Africa's mining logistics and port transport requirements, balancing efficient power with intelligent control.
Leading the Green Transition in African Transport
Driven by dual-carbon goals, FOTON is building momentum in South Africa and across Africa through an ICE and BEV product strategy. The rollout of this heavy truck also signals a wider new energy direction, with FOTON building a full-scenario solution that spans traditional fuel and electric transport to support lower-carbon logistics across the continent.
Looking ahead, FOTON plans to deepen the Lighthouse Plan, strengthen local operating capability, and expand its new energy product matrix, using South Africa as a strategic pivot for a smarter, greener, and more competitive African commercial vehicle market.