Foton Sales Data, Trends & Analysis for the China Automotive Market
Foton Motor, also named Beiqi Foton, established in 1996, produces and markets (mostly) commercial vehicles under the Foton and Forland (sub-)brands and has a manufacturing Joint Venture with Daimler. It’s also the owner of the revived Borgward brand. Also find sales figures for the Foton Gratour ix5 and ix7, Gratour im6 and im8, MPX, Midi, Saga. Car sales statistics from China only include domestic production and exclude imported models.
Foton China Sales Figures & Recent Highlights
Foton’s primary focus has been on commercial vehicles. They manufacture light trucks, heavy trucks, vans, buses, and a variety of special-purpose vehicles. The company also ventured into the passenger vehicle segment with SUVs and MPVs. It is one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in China.
Foton was founded in 1996 as a joint venture between Beijing Automobile Industry Holding Corporation and Daimler AG. The company’s first vehicle was a commercial vehicle, and it began producing passenger vehicles in the early 2000s. Foton’s passenger vehicles are known for their affordability and durability. The brand’s most popular models in China include the Foton Tunland, a compact SUV, and the Foton Auv, a minivan.
Recognizing the importance of technological advancement and global market expansion, Foton has engaged in various joint ventures and collaborations with leading international automakers and companies. One of Foton’s most notable joint ventures is with Daimler AG. Established in 2012, this collaboration focuses on producing medium and heavy-duty trucks, combining Foton’s local expertise with Daimler’s advanced technology and global experience.
Foton has invested in research and development to drive innovation and stay competitive. The company has several R&D centers in China and has also set up research facilities in other countries to cater to regional market needs and tap into global technological advancements. The company has shown interest in electric and alternative energy vehicles, understanding the global and domestic push towards cleaner transportation solutions. While Foton is well-recognized in the commercial vehicle segment in China, it has faced challenges in terms of quality perception, especially when compared to more established international brands.
Foton Annual Sales Data and Market Share in China
Below we have a table that shows total Foton sales volumes for the Chinese automotive market, broken out by year since 2005. This data captures all Fotonvehicle sales for the entire Chinese automotive market.
| Year | Sales | YOY Change | Marketshare | Marketshare Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 4,473 | 0.00 | 0.20 | 0.00 |
| 2004 | 2,980 | -33.38 | 0.12 | -68.60 |
| 2005 | 1,478 | -50.40 | 0.05 | -154.20 |
| 2006 | 945 | -36.06 | 0.02 | -99.11 |
| 2007 | 1,216 | 28.68 | 0.02 | 2.62 |
| 2008 | 3,614 | 197.20 | 0.07 | 65.09 |
| 2009 | 12,194 | 237.41 | 0.16 | 55.60 |
| 2010 | 4,765 | -60.92 | 0.05 | -235.52 |
| 2011 | 3,168 | -33.52 | 0.03 | -62.66 |
| 2012 | 4,187 | 32.17 | 0.04 | 19.32 |
| 2013 | 6,570 | 56.91 | 0.05 | 23.15 |
| 2014 | 6,459 | -1.69 | 0.04 | -14.92 |
| 2015 | 6,389 | -1.08 | 0.03 | -15.52 |
| 2016 | 14,133 | 121.21 | 0.06 | 46.36 |
| 2017 | 24,151 | 70.88 | 0.11 | 38.86 |
| 2018 | 15,932 | -34.03 | 0.07 | -46.07 |
| 2019 | 10,328 | -35.17 | 0.05 | -40.95 |
| 2020 | 7,491 | -27.47 | 0.04 | -27.48 |
| 2021 | 9,736 | 29.97 | 0.05 | 16.76 |
| 2022 | 5,701 | -41.44 | 0.03 | -74.71 |
Foton China Annual Sales Units & Market Share Chart
Below is a visual representation of Foton’s Chinese sales units over time. We have both the Foton sales units and the market share in the Chinese market. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
Foton China Growth Rate & Market Share Chart
Below is the annual growth rate for the Foton brand in China, shown against the Foton’s marketshare changes in China. This gives you a good look into how Foton has faired against the other brands in terms of absolute sales and effect on marketshare. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
The Best-Selling Foton Cars & SUVs in China
COMING SOON
Sources: Manufacturers, ANDC, JATO Dynamics.
