On September 30, BAIC FOTON's first CKD pickup rolled off the production line at its South African plant, becoming the first Chinese brand to achieve localized CKD pickup production in the South African market. The milestone reflects a deeper localized manufacturing footprint and reinforces Africa's place in BAIC FOTON's global strategy.
Deepening Local Manufacturing to Set a Benchmark for Africa's Auto Industry
Since launching its Africa strategy, BAIC FOTON has accelerated full industrial chain deployment in South Africa through the Lighthouse Plan. As BAIC Group's first overseas vehicle manufacturing base, the Port Elizabeth plant represents a US$226 million investment and spans 540,000 square meters, making it the largest automotive project in South Africa in nearly 40 years. The facility now houses production lines for light-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and pickups.
The successful rollout of the pickup is another step toward a full-category production system at the South Africa plant, laying a stronger foundation for serving the broader African market. Over time, the plant will integrate localized R&D, marketing, training, and parts distribution to strengthen regional supply chain resilience and support the shift from product export to industrial empowerment.
Driving Localized Growth and Regional Sustainability
BAIC FOTON remains committed to growing alongside Africa. By deepening local integration across manufacturing, services, finance, and new energy, the company continues to advance technology transfer and talent development, creating more than 1,000 jobs in South Africa and supporting the growth of upstream and downstream industry clusters.
The South Africa plant follows a flexible production model that combines SKD for trucks and CKD for pickups, working closely with local partners to improve supply chain efficiency and respond more effectively to Africa's diverse market needs. The newly launched pickup stands as a clear example of local innovation built around African demand.
Looking ahead, BAIC FOTON plans to continue advancing the Lighthouse Plan, using South Africa as a strategic hub to drive a more capable, smarter, and greener African commercial vehicle industry, together with local partners.