Foton launches its electric offensive on the French market

At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Foton officially announces its arrival in France with an entirely electric range of commercial vehicles and trucks weighing up to 18 tonnes. The Chinese manufacturer will rely on Otokar Europe to develop its sales network and after-sales service.

Four models expected from the end of the year

Present in more than 140 countries, Foton will use the Paris Motor Show, held in Paris from 12 to 18 October 2026, to present its ambitions for France. The manufacturer will exhibit two vehicles on its stand, A10, in Hall 7.1: the Cavan C1 van and the 7.5-tonne e-Aumark truck.

The announced range comprises four models designed from the outset for electric power:

The Cavan C1, a van with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 2.9 to 3.2 tonnes, available in three lengths. Its usable volume ranges from 6.8 to 8.5 m³, and its range can reach 320 km according to the WLTP cycle.

The e-Miler, a 4.25-tonne light rigid truck offering a range of up to 170 km.

The e-Aumark, a 7.5-tonne rigid truck with a stated payload of 4,430 kg and a WLTP range of 180 km.

The e-Auman, available in 16- and 18-tonne versions, with a range of up to 260 km.

These vehicles are expected to go on sale in France from the end of 2026. Foton therefore aims to cover a large proportion of urban and regional distribution needs, from last-mile delivery to operations requiring a medium-duty rigid truck.

Vehicles developed around electric power

Founded in Beijing in 1996, Foton manufactures vans, trucks, buses and pick-ups. The manufacturer announces that it surpassed the milestone of 13 million vehicles delivered in September 2026. It operates 23 factories in China and has 32 industrial facilities internationally.

For its electric range, Foton uses lithium iron phosphate batteries supplied by CATL. The manufacturer states that it develops its electric axles and power electronics in-house.

The objective is to offer vehicles designed for electric power from the outset, rather than combustion-engine models that have simply been adapted. This approach should make it possible to optimise battery placement, payload and the space available for bodywork installations.

Otokar Europe will support the launch in France

To establish itself in France, Foton has chosen to partner with Otokar Europe. Based in Roissy-en-France, the Turkish manufacturer's subsidiary is already known to French operators for its buses and coaches.

The two companies have been working together since 2013 in Turkey and several European countries. This cooperation will now be extended to the distribution of Foton vans and trucks on the French market.

The Chinese manufacturer already claims a presence in nearly twenty European countries and a network of more than 300 service points. Its organisation also includes a European technical centre and a spare parts distribution platform located in Bochum, Germany.

The network will be decisive

With a range extending from vans to 18-tonne rigid trucks, Foton is entering an already highly competitive French market. European manufacturers are multiplying their electric models, while several Chinese brands are now seeking to establish a lasting presence on the continent.

On paper, Foton has a coherent range and solid industrial experience. But in the commercial vehicle sector, the product is not everything. Parts availability, the proximity of workshops, the speed of repairs, financing and residual value play an essential role in hauliers' purchasing decisions.

The partnership with Otokar Europe will therefore need to reassure the first customers and enable Foton to quickly build a network that matches its ambitions. The vehicles are expected at the end of the year; it will then be necessary to assess their performance, prices and the quality of the support provided in the field.