“Last year, I asked my team if getting into the top 10 auto brands is feasible. Sabi nila, kayang-kaya.  And true enough, we were able to deliver. I am beyond grateful because my vision for Foton is now turning into reality,” said Foton Motor Philippines Inc. (FMPI) President Rommel Sytin.

Based on a consolidated report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), Truck Manufacturers Association Inc. (TMA), and the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID), the local automotive market experienced dramatic sales shifts in 2018.

Reports showed vehicle sales of 401,803 units in 2018. While majority showed signs of cooling off, FMPI posted gains. Amidst the challenges due to the widespread inflation, and Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, FMPI has managed to surge to the top 10 vehicle brands. From 12th in 2017, the car and truck brand leaped to 9th in the overall auto industry ranking in 2018, edging past Chevrolet.

“Of course, we hoped for something big for 2018. Although, we did not expect to obtain something as big as being capable of leaping two ranks ahead versus our previous year’s standing in the overall automotive sales,” said Sytin.

Among vehicle segments in the overall auto industry sales, Category IV of trucks and buses was the lone positive with a modest 4.8 percent growth to 5,076 units from 4,845 units in 2017. For 2018, FMPI also became a bronze-medal finisher in the light duty truck segment race, trailing Isuzu and Hino, but outselling Mitsubishi-FUSO.

Proudly noted Sytin: “For us, despite increased competition, four factors worked in our favor to make 2018 a stellar year: the loyalty of the customers, the dedication of our dealer partners, the hard work of our field force, and most importantly, the capability of our product line.”

Selling a total of 4,141 units in both passenger and commercial vehicle segments, Foton has also broken through 1.04 percent of the Philippine automotive market, when they couldn’t even achieve 1 percent before.

Sytin continued, “We anticipate that Foton Philippines will continue its momentum in 2019. We will provide more mobility solutions as the Philippines is set to experience the second coming of industrial revolution with the implementation of the Build, Build, Build program  which means that there will be an increasing demand for commercial trucks.”

When it comes to the title of bearing the best commercial trucks, there’ll surely be a debate since preferences of truck drivers and consumers vary. However, there are truck brands that give the best overall impression, especially those that can provide body configurations for different purposes and applications such as construction, mining, and delivery of goods from point A to point B.

Foton’s commercial vehicles, particularly its light- and heavy-duty truck segments, continue to make a splash, having its profitability improved and competitive capability enhanced through innovative technology such as Foton Blue Energy Euro 4. Through this, the trucks have grasped more market opportunities, strengthening product quality.

“Designed with maximized wheel towing strength, cargo capacity, outstanding fuel economy, power, torque, comfort, and general safety, I’m proud to say that Foton is ready, that our products are capable of being instruments for the Filipino businesses and programs’ success.” added Sytin.

With over 12 years of being a trusted source of a broad line of vehicles, mass-friendly financing options, service support, and extensive dealer network, Foton’s reputation with business owners speaks for itself.

“We have also started opening dealerships housing dedicated maintenance facilities not only for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks, but also for heavy-duty trucks. With the adequate equipment and well-trained aftersales technicians, this can help the customers to experience minimal vehicle downtime for their businesses.”

For Foton Philippines, aftersales is equally important to unit sales, and in order to brace the level of confidence, Foton launched the EC Parts and EC Mobile Service Truck campaigns to widen the reach of parts and aftersales services.

Sytin announced, “The bottom line is that we want to provide our customers with real mobility solutions. We want to partner with them, and make sure that their business succeeds with the best vehicles, through the best services, because that’s our brand promise, dahil sa Foton, kayang-kaya.”