Now, the brand is limbering up for a serious assault on the local truck market with a range of new energy vehicles (NEVs) under the Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD) banner.

Electrified commercial vehicle stock started arriving in Australia over Christmas and will filter out through the just-announced FMD dealer and service network.

FMD said it recognises the need to provide a quality service and support network for their new range, and that this is something that has been a priority for management.

Foton executive Jeff Morgan said that “with many more fleets now recognising the need to accelerate their transition to zero emissions, and with FMD’s ability to deliver product ‘at scale’, it is expected that there will be many more Foton EVs on the road in 2023, necessitating the continued expansion of the dealer and service network”.

Foton Mobility Distribution is a member of the TrueGreen Impact Investment Group and is the exclusive Australian Distributor of Foton Motors NEVs, including battery electric trucks and vans, hydrogen fuel cell trucks, and electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses.

FMD is in the process of delivering 40 new light duty electric trucks to customers around Australia, with further shipments planned each month throughout 2023 to meet growing demand from logistics operators and fleets looking to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.

The company has appointed the following dealerships to support its EV light duty trucks and vans:

• Cairns: ABC Sales & Maintenance
• Townsville: RGM Maintenance
• Brisbane: Llewellyn Motors, Booval
• Melbourne: Sustainable Vehicle Solutions (a CMV Group Company) Hallam
• Adelaide: Sustainable Vehicle Solutions Pty Ltd (a CMV Group Company)
• Perth: G & A Lombardi, Forrestfield
• Sydney: Sydney Service & Support, Foton Mobility Distribution, Smeaton Grange

FMD has also appointed Truck Assist to provide 24/7 roadside assistance anywhere in Australia.

Paul Crawford, CMV Group (Transport and Agribusiness) managing director said: “We are pleased to partner with Foton Mobility and represent their new energy trucks both in the Victorian and South Australian markets through a new business unit, Sustainable Vehicle Solutions”.

“CMV Group is firmly focused on supporting the transport industry in the transition to more renewable energy sources and our investment into a sustainable vehicle solutions hub and the Foton brand itself is just one step in that process.”

Llewellyn Motors general manager David Rea said: “Llewellyn Motors is excited to be partnering with Foton Mobility to introduce the light duty electric truck to our customers.”

“This collaboration aligns with Llewellyn Motors’ long-term vision to be a leader in sustainability within the local community.

“The Foton electric truck will provide a reliable and eco-friendly option for our customers, furthering our commitment to reducing our environmental impact. We are proud to bring this quality, innovative technology to our community and continue providing exceptional service.”

Lombardi’s dealer principal, Paul McGovern commented: “After retailing trucks for 35 years, I am super excited to be moving into the next phase of transport and can safely say that the Foton electric truck is the most exciting release I have been involved with from a dealer perspective. It drives sensationally well and better than any small truck I have ever driven”.

ABC Sales & Maintenance managing director, Peter Woodward added:, “We are looking forward to bringing this light truck EV technology to Cairns and Regional North Queensland. new energy vehicles are the way of the future, and we are happy to be able to offer alternative transport solutions to our clients”.

By Peter Barnwell