Chinese state-owned automaker Beiqi Foton Motor Company (Foton) has launched local assembly of its Tunland pickup truck in South Africa, as the company continues to strengthen its presence in markets across the African continent. The pickup truck is assembled from completely knocked down (CKD) kits imported from China at a facility in Port Elizabeth, in partnership with BAIC South Africa.

Foton said that local production of the Tunland marks “a key milestone in the company’s ‘Lighthouse Plan’ for Africa and highlights the growing collaboration between China and South Africa in the automotive sector.”

The automaker further stated that by “choosing South Africa as the base for CKD operations, Foton is making a long-term commitment to localisation, job creation, and technology transfer” in the country. The model will be sold locally and exported to other markets in the region.

Foton South Africa’s CEO, Marius Smal, told reporters: “Rolling the first pre-production CKD Foton pickup off the South African line represents more than just a milestone — it is a symbol of investment, trust, partnership, and progress. It shows our belief in Africa’s potential and our confidence in South Africa as a hub for innovation and growth.”

Foton confirmed that for “customers across Africa, local CKD operations translate into the promise of faster availability, competitive pricing, and increased confidence in after-sales support. With parts availability, assembly, and servicing rooted locally, Foton aims to meet customer needs with even greater efficiency.”