History of Foton Motor in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 30, 2025

Foton Motor, officially Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd., is a Chinese automotive manufacturer specializing in trucks, buses, and SUVs. Headquartered in Changping, Beijing, Foton operates as a subsidiary of the BAIC Group. The company's activities encompass the design, production, and distribution of commercial and passenger vehicles, contributing to China's automotive industry and global market presence.

August 28, 1996: Foton Motor Founding

On August 28, 1996, Foton Motor was founded to manufacture light and heavy-duty trucks, agricultural tractors, and other machinery. Foton International Trade Co., Ltd, Beijing, became Foton Motor Group's international sales subsidiary.

1999: Foton View Ireland Act Production

From 1999 to 2005, Foton produced the Foton View Ireland Act, resembling the Toyota HiAce and originally named 风景爱尔法.

2000: Foton View Express Passenger Production

From 2000 to 2006, Foton produced the Foton View Express Passenger, resembling the Toyota HiAce and originally named 风景快客.

2001: Foton View Express Production

From 2001 to 2012, Foton produced the Foton View Express, resembling the Toyota HiAce and originally named 风景快运.

August 2002: Foton Auman Truck Production

In August 2002, Foton began production of the Foton Auman truck.

2004: Foton SUP Launch

Since 2004, Foton has produced the Foton SUP pickup based on the Saga platform, originally named 萨普.

2005: Brand Value Ranking

In 2005, Foton's brand value exceeded 61.932 billion Yuan, ranking No. 1 in the auto industry and No. 11 in the “Top 500 Most Valuable Brands”.

2005: Foton View Ireland Act Production End

Production of the Foton View Ireland Act, which began in 1999, ended in 2005. The vehicle resembled the Toyota HiAce and was originally named 风景爱尔法.

March 2006: Joint Venture with Cummins Inc.

In March 2006, Foton and Cummins Inc. announced a 50:50 joint venture, Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Company (BFCEC), to produce light-duty diesel engines of 2.8 and 3.8 liter displacement.

2006: Foton View Express Passenger Production End

Production of the Foton View Express Passenger, which began in 2000, ended in 2006. The vehicle resembled the Toyota HiAce and was originally named 风景快客.

October 2009: Joint Venture with Pulead Technology Industry Co.

In October 2009, Foton agreed to form a joint venture with Pulead Technology Industry Co. to develop and produce vehicle batteries.

July 2010: Establishment of European Headquarters

In July 2010, Foton announced the establishment of a European headquarters in Moscow, Russia.

April 2011: Sales Company Established in India

In April 2011, Foton established a sales company in India.

2011: Vehicle Sales Volume in 2011

In 2011, Foton Motor sold a total of 640,400 vehicles.

February 2012: Joint Venture with Daimler AG

In February 2012, Beiqi Foton Motors Co., Ltd. and Daimler AG established a 50-50 joint venture, Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd., with an investment of RMB6.35 billion. This joint venture would take over Foton's existing Auman medium- and heavy-duty truck business, including production sites, sales, and service network.

2012: Foton View Express Production End

Production of the Foton View Express, which began in 2001, ended in 2012. The vehicle resembled the Toyota HiAce and was originally named 风景快运.

2014: Foton Sauvana SUV Launch

Since 2014, Foton has produced the Foton Sauvana SUV, also known as Foton Toplander. This model has been discontinued.

2015: Globalization Plan and Sauvana Preview

In 2015, Foton announced a bus factory in Brazil (Bahia) as part of their globalization plan. Foton also held a press conference previewing the Sauvana and announcing plans to bring the brand to the United States.

2015: Foton Toano Launch

Since 2015, Foton has produced the Foton Toano, a business class van/minibus.

September 2017: Joint Venture with Piaggio

In September 2017, Foton and Piaggio agreed to form a joint venture to develop and produce light commercial vehicles. The new vehicle, based on a Foton chassis, would be sold by Piaggio Commercial Vehicle division in Europe and globally, excluding China, as a successor to the Piaggio Porter.

August 2018: Plant Setup in Bangladesh

In August 2018, Foton Motor announced plans to establish a plant in Bangladesh by the following year to assemble commercial vehicles through a joint venture with ACI Motors.

April 2019: Truck Factory in Thailand with CP

On April 2019, Foton and CP announced a truck factory in Thailand named CP FOTON SALES CO., LTD. The factory produces electric trucks such as the Auman EST, AUMARK, and AUV.

2019: Planned Production Start for Piaggio Joint Venture

Production for the joint venture between Foton and Piaggio, announced in September 2017, was planned to start in mid-2019 in Pontedera, Italy, with Foton producing all components in China.