BAIC FOTON announces new vehicle launches and manufacturing partnerships at African conference

(Photo/huanqiu.com)

BAIC FOTON has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its presence across Africa, announcing three new vehicle launches, manufacturing partnerships and plans to strengthen its regional operations at its 2026 Africa Partners Conference, held in Port Elizabeth from Oct. 28 to 30.

Held under the theme “Drive to Great”, the three day conference brought together nearly 700 representatives from 42 African countries, including government and business representatives, distributors, customers, industry partners and members of the media. Senior executives from BAIC Group and BAIC FOTON were also in attendance. Discussions centred on the company's long-term growth strategy in Africa, with particular emphasis on local manufacturing, new energy vehicle development, regional partnerships and the expansion of after sales support.

BAIC FOTON currently operates in 54 African markets, supported by a network of more than 300 authorised service outlets. Its global footprint extends to over 140 countries and regions. Between January and September 2026, the company recorded exports of more than 168,500 units, representing a 43.6 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

(Photo/huanqiu.com)

A key highlight of the conference was a visit to the BAIC South Africa Plant in the Coega Development Zone in Gqeberha, where delegates gained first hand insight into the company's growing local manufacturing capabilities. The facility incorporates integrated welding, painting and assembly processes, with production activities having progressed steadily since 2025. FOTON truck SKD production commenced in January 2025, followed by the trial assembly of the first AUMAN heavy-duty tractor in March. Mass production of FOTON trucks began towards the end of August 2025, while small batch CKD trial production of FOTON pickups followed in September. During the plant tour, delegates were introduced to BAIC FOTON's commercial vehicle range and had the opportunity to experience the vehicles through driving demonstrations and test drives. These included heavy duty trucks, pickups, light commercial vehicles and vans.

The conference also followed the official opening of BAIC FOTON's Africa Regional Training Centre in South Africa on Oct. 27, marking another step in the company's efforts to strengthen its local presence and technical support capabilities across the continent. The inauguration was attended by BAIC FOTON CEO Lu Zhenghua, International President Wu Zongtian and local partners.

Spanning 900 square metres, the centre is divided equally between theoretical and practical training facilities. Its 450-square-metre theoretical training section includes classrooms accommodating 80 and 24 trainees respectively, while the practical training area provides dedicated facilities for instruction on complete vehicles, engines, transmissions, electrical and electronic systems, and new energy vehicle technologies.

The centre will serve as a regional hub for technical and service training, equipping local dealers and personnel across African markets with the skills required to support customers. Training programmes will cover vehicle maintenance, spare-parts management and after-sales service. According to BAIC FOTON, the company has conducted nearly 100 specialised training sessions across key international markets since the beginning of 2026, highlighting its focus on developing local expertise alongside its international expansion.

Addressing delegates at the conference, Wu Zongtian outlined the company's internationalisation strategy, which is built around three key priorities, localised product portfolios, the development of business ecosystems, and strengthened manufacturing and operational capabilities. He highlighted the importance of adapting vehicle offerings to the specific transportation needs, infrastructure and energy requirements of individual markets. As part of this approach, BAIC FOTON plans to introduce a diverse range of technologies across Africa, including conventional fuel, natural gas, battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Further reinforcing its commitment to regional collaboration, the conference also marked the launch of the African leg of the FOTON GALAXUS Global Experience programme. Distributor representatives from Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe received flags in recognition of their participation in the initiative.

Through these developments, BAIC FOTON aims to deepen its partnerships with African stakeholders while building a more integrated regional business network. The company said it would continue working with local partners to advance manufacturing, distribution, spare-parts supply and technical support as it expands its operations across the continent.

The conference concluded on Oct. 30, bringing three days of product presentations, business engagements, manufacturing tours and strategic discussions with African partners to a close.