THE nation’s biggest car retailer, Eagers Automotive, has signed up Chinese commercial vehicle brand Foton and is opening three sales and service outlets for Foton’s EV truck, the T5.

It is the second tie-up with a Chinese EV manufacturer after Eagers last year partnered with BYD importer and distributor, EVDirect, to exclusively sell BYD EV cars through its national network.

The Foton deal is signed with Foton’s Australian-owned representative Foton Mobility Distribution which distributes the Chinese company’s EV truck models.

Foton Mobility Distribution’s general manager of light duty vehicles, Bill Gillespie, told GoAutoNews Premium that the arrangement with Eagers was non-exclusive and that Eagers did not take a financial interest in FMD’s operations, unlike its partnership with BYD’s EVDirect.

He also said that the dealerships will start selling the T5 electric truck and expand the range with a bigger 8.5-tonne GVM model in quarter four this year.

It will also add a much bigger 16-tonne to 18-tonne GVM (final specifications are not yet finalised) EV truck in mid year.

Mr Gillespie said Eagers would also sell an EV van range which was expected in the second half of 2025 and a ute model that is expected to become available in 2026.

Bill Gillespie

For Eagers, it is a return to the heavy truck segment after two years ago selling its truck retail and service business to US company Velocity. Eagers also retains interests in Hino sales and service business, which was originally part of AHG.

Eagers executive general manager Paul Warburton said in a statement that the retailer was “incredibly proud” to join the Foton network.

“We look forward to supporting Foton in the Australian market as they look to follow in the footsteps of their success around the world.”

Mr Gillespie said that with Eagers Automotive representing Foton in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, it would be able to better service its customer base that can access the vehicles “through familiar staff at trusted dealerships.”

The Foton T5 EV has a GVM rating of 4500kg for car licence operation, or 6000kg for light rigid licensed drivers. It has a 3500kg braked towing capacity allowing the package to seamlessly integrate into existing fleets.

It has a fully loaded range of 180km and comes with a safety suite including a low-speed pedestrian warning system, a comprehensive electronic braking and stability support package, SRS airbags, and a reversing radar and buzzer.

The Foton T5 EV is being sold in a range of ready-to-go trims, with options including an Australian-made steel tipper body, an alloy tray and more, covering a wide range of Australian-specific application types.

Foton said buyers of new Foton T5 EV all-electric trucks are supported with an 8-year/300,000km power battery warranty and a 5-year/200,000km overall vehicle warranty.

All Foton EV products are supported by NTI Truck Assist 24/7 roadside support service.