Consolidated Foton range revealed
Ateco has showcased its refocussed Foton line-up in Melbourne, now including the Foton Tunland uteIndependent automotive importer and distributor, Ateco Automotive, has unveiled its expanded Foton range of light commercials at Melbourne’s 2014 Truck, Trailer & Equipment Show, with the Chinese manufacturer’s Tunland ute now sitting alongside its light trucks.
Ateco acquired the Australian distribution rights for Foton trucks from Transpacific Industries Group in November 2012, but has only just taken over the Foton ute range, which was previously managed by Queensland-based FAA Automotive.
Ateco – which also imports brands such as Great Wall, Ssangyong and Chery, along with prestige marques Lotus and Maserati -- says this consolidation of the Foton brand in Australia will streamline its local operations, leading to an expanded national dealer network and better sales and service support.
Adding to Ateco’s Foton push is the recent appointment of Foton Trucks Australia General Manager, Alex Stewart. Stewart, who comes from a senior role at Hino Motor Sales Australia, said he’s relishing the challenge of expanding Foton’s footprint in the local market.
“I am under no illusions about the challenge ahead in a market as tough and competitive as Australia’s, but I am also confident that the outstanding value offered by Foton will drive a steady increase in sales and expansion of our dealer network over time,” he said.
“This is an exciting ‘ground floor’ opportunity for me and I am greatly encouraged by Foton’s commitment to continually adapt its product to meet the requirements of our market.”
A manager for Foton’s ute division at Ateco will be appointed shortly. Ateco says it’s aiming for a mid-year relaunch of the Foton Tunland with a revised model line-up and keener pricing.
While the relaunch will initially only concern Foton’s utes, the Chinese behemoth – which has manufactured over five million vehicles since it was established in 1996 – also produces SUVs and other passenger vehicles, which may well find their way to Australia in time.
Foton’s truck range in Australia currently spans three wheelbases, two cab widths, a choice of two Cummins engines, and GVMs from 4.5 tonnes to 8.5 tonnes.
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