Inchcape, the well-known distributor of Subaru in Australia, has expanded its portfolio by becoming the Australian distributor for the Chinese commercial vehicle brand Foton. However, the distribution of Foton’s electric truck models will remain under the purview of Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD).
Beginning in Q4 this year, Inchcape will launch a variety of Foton’s 'new energy' vehicles, including internal combustion trucks, utes & vans , into the Australian market.
The new custodian for Foton in Australia plans to initially focus on enhancing the presence of the Chinese brand’s light-duty trucks and next-generation utes. Vans will be introduced into the mix "within the following year," and Inchcape has confirmed that electrified Foton utes and vans are also on the horizon.
This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both parties, combining Inchcape’s extensive local distribution experience with Foton’s commercial vehicle manufacturing expertise across fuel and new energy solutions.
“The addition of the Foton distributorship enables Inchcape to diversify its local distribution portfolio by entering entirely new segments of the Australian market, including utes and light-duty trucks, and further strengthen our presence in the light commercial vehicle segment with Foton’s vans also forming part of the local product pipeline,” said Colin Christie, Managing Director at Inchcape Australasia.
Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD) CEO and Founder, Neil Wang, emphasised that FMD holds an active and binding distribution agreement with Foton International.
This agreement encompasses the distribution of Foton's EV light- and medium-duty trucks, EV buses, and hydrogen buses within Australia.
Having topped the Australian EV truck sales charts in 2023 and maintaining the lead as of June 2024, Foton Mobility Distribution continues to dominate the local zero-emission light-duty truck market.
FMD’s distinguished customer base includes notable companies such as Woolworths, IKEA, Bunnings, Ausgrid, and Kennards Hire.
The company remains confident that Australian businesses will keep selecting Foton EV light trucks as they move towards zero-emission solutions.
“The logistics industry has recognised that it is time to respond to the climate challenge, and here at Foton, we are fortunate to bring to market a package that leads the field in so many ways,” said Mr Wang.
“We are also heartened by feedback from these fleets, who note that the car licence-accessible EV options in their ranks help them attract and retain drivers.
“The feedback from the drivers themselves is terrific. The trucks present a comfortable working environment, with a distinct lack of fumes, heat, and vibrations so prevalent in diesel trucks.
“And best of all, these positives are on top of the outstanding green credentials of the trucks, which are assisting companies in reaching their environmental targets, both here and abroad.”
As the landscape of commercial vehicles in Australia evolves, we’re curious about your thoughts on the rise of electric trucks & internal combustion trucks. Do you think EV trucks, particularly those from brands like Foton, have what it takes to compete with established European brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Scania, and Volvo? Will their green credentials and operational benefits be enough to sway the Australian market, or do European trucks still hold the upper hand? Share your insights and experiences with us in the comments below!
Comments