Having announced its large scale return to the South African market in February, Chinese commercial vehicle brand, Foton, has officially confirmed the exact date of sales resumption, as well as the products it will make available.
Its distribution set to be handled by Proton importer Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) through Mandarin Parts Distributors, the line-up will consist of the combustion engine View and electric eView minibuses, the Miler light-duty truck and two addition EV trucks; the eTruckmate and eAumark.
Its operations set to take place fro 40 strategically placed dealerships across the country, the 25 Junes product relaunching will also include the returning the Tunland bakkie, albeit in a completely different guise to the original that quietly disappeared before the major facelift in 2018.
Based on the Tunland Yutu that went on-sale in China five years ago, the export market badged Tunland G7 will reportedly drop the G7 suffix and become known only as the Tunland now solely offered as a double cab.
Already available in certain South American and Middle Eastern markets, plus Europe with Italy being the most prominent, the Tunland G7 has a claimed ground clearance of 200 mm, a payload between 880 kg and 1090 kg and, outside the Peoples Republic, a 120kW/390Nm in-house developed 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
The unit being paired to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic, drive will go the rear wheels or four wheels via selectable four-wheel-drive system, with a rear diff-lock being standard, along with two drive modes; Eco and Sport.
While specification will only be confirmed in the run-up to the Tunlands reveal, niceties available internationally include dual-zone climate control, an eight-inch or 10-inch infotainment system, keyless entry and push-button start, heated front seats, ambient lighting and five-inch TFT instrument display to name a few.
Prominent on the safety side is a 360-degree surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, Forward Collision Warning, Brake Override Assist, Hill Descent Control, a tyre pressure monitor and Blind Spot Monitoring.
Fotons additions into the South African market represents a significant milestone in their expansion strategy, CEO for South Africa, Marius Smal, said.
We are looking forward to delivering innovative, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation solutions to customers across the region.
Despite the re-launch being just over two months ago, dont be surprised if more details emerge before then.
