DOTr Issues Certificate of Compliance to Foton's F-Jeepney

The Department of Transportation has granted Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI) the Certificate of Compliance for the commercial vehicle brand’s entry to PUV Modernization Program: the F-Jeepney.

As per Philippine National Standards (PNS) 2126:2017, the Class 2 FOTON F-Jeepney F24 variant has passed the requirements with the impacting upgrades imposed for innovated comfort and security for its passengers.

In order to sustain safety, comfort, and environmental soundness, the F-Jeepney was designed with features in compliance with the national standards and international vehicle safety conventions through the addition of speed limiters, CCTV camera, GPS tracker, and dashboard camera.

Compared to the average jeepney, the F-Jeepney is equipped with stainless fixed bench type seats that can hold a capacity up to 24 passengers, 16 seating and 8 standing. The F-Jeepney is more spacious, providing maximized room for cargo and legroom. It has comparatively wider passenger doors, making ingress and egress a whole lot easier.

In terms of comfort and convenience, the F-Jeepney boasts of its fully air-conditioned interiors, comfortable seats, and tap card-based fare collection system. LED monitor and Wi-Fi connectivity are also activated for entertainment during commute.

Ensuring optimal power and performance, the F-Jeepney carries the world-renowned ISF 2.8-liter CRDi 4-cylinder engine paired to a 5-speed manual. This workhorse generates 116 horsepower at 3,200 rpm, and 260 Nm of torque from 1,300 to 3,200 rpm. The engine belongs to Foton’s Blue Energy Euro 4 line-up designed for cleaner, more powerful mobility.

Since 2018, FMPI has been actively showcasing the F-Jeepney in nationwide caravans, DOTr and LTO facilitated motor shows.  Last September, FMPI showcased the two latest variants of the F-Jeepney: F29 and F24, with their names both derived on the vehicle seating capacity at FOTON’s Big AtTRUCKtion.

The Foton F-Jeepney is now readily available nationwide through the brand’s growing network of dealers nationwide.

J&T Express Adds 60 More Foton Commercial Vehicles to Its Fleet

Last March, Foton Philippines turned over 130 units of various trucks to global brand J&T Express, making it one of Foton’s biggest clients. Now, the Indonesian-based express delivery provider is adding 60 more units, this time composed of the Foton Tornado 2.4C, F-Van, EST-M Hurricane 4x2 F-Van, Tornado M4.2C, and TransVan Cargo.

“We are overwhelmed with the continuous patronage of J&T Express for our products and services. Their trust and confidence drives us to provide more than what’s expected from us,” says Foton Philippines President Rommel Sytin.

For J&T Express, they chose Foton’s commercial vehicles because they deliver powerful driving performance, high durability, ergonomic comfort, good transport quality, and flexible body-building capability—major factors to consider when investing for a transport business.

“With our products, we also offer J&T Express delivery drivers with a slew of safety and security features that make each journey comfortable and convenient, while providing owners a multi-functional workhorse that is also friendly to those driving it,” added Sytin.

Foton’s commercial vehicle range is also Euro 4 compliant. For diesel-fed engines, they come with an upgraded turbocharger, better exhaust-gas recirculation, updated common rail direct injection system, diesel oxidizing catalyst (DOC), and a particle oxidizing catalyst (POC) which promotes cleaner mobility for a healthier environment.

Sytin added, “It is an honor to be the top choice of a global brand like J&T Express. Just like our brand promise, we hope that the convenience you are offering to the Filipinos become a key to empower more businesses.”

Foton's Bigger, More Powerful Gratour Gets Down to Business

With its commitment and capability to provide efficient people- and cargo movers for any type of business, Foton Philippines was chosen by one of the largest telecommunication product firms in the country, Maax Eye Trade, Inc. (METI) to be their vehicle service provider.

The company purchased 12 units of the recently-launched Gratour MT 1.5L with Tool Truck Body which were turned over last July 12, 2019.

Incorporated on 2018, Maax Eye is known for commodities such as fiber optic cables, patch cords, closures, connectors, testing equipment, installation tools, cleaning tools, hardware and accessories.

“The Gratour MT makes a perfect fit for Maax Eye’s transportation and logistics demands. Beneficial in more ways than one, the Foton Gratour MT 1.5L is built to push every enterprise further until they reach their maximum potential. Of course, through a practical, cost-efficient and reliable workhorse,” said Foton Philippines President Rommel Sytin.

Powered by a 1.5-liter DAM15R gasoline engine, the Gratour MT 1.5L produces 110 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The motor comes paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, riding on 14-inch wheels. Thanks to the larger engine, its maximum payload capacity is now 1.5 tons from 1.2 tons.

For this special body, the Gratour MT highlights a 2-ladder roof rack with locking mechanism to carry and secure more bulky items, window grilles, bench type seats with cushion, and compartment tool box. It is also equipped with a radio with aux-in and USB for entertainment. For safety and convenience, it has 3-point seatbelts, fog lights, steering column lock, and of course, air conditioning unit to keep the passengers in comfort.

Sytin added, “As a one-stop shop of passenger and commercial vehicles, Foton Philippines will continue to provide not just quality and affordable mobility solutions but also reliable aftersales programs for our clients. In fact, we have already started, and it’s slowly transforming to reality with the help of the strong presence of Foton’s growing number of dealerships, sales outlets, and service centers nationwide.”

Apart from this body configuration, the Gratour MT 1.5L also boasts of a versatile lineup—having other options such as Dropside, F-Van, Wing Van, MPV, Jeepney, and Patrol Jeep. For the clients’ low-cost ownership experience, Foton is also offering a 3-year or 100,000 km warranty on the Gratour MT.

Free PMS on a Truck? Only Foton Can Do That

Foton Philippines already made headlines with their 2019 Hurricane EST-M—a heavy-duty truck that not only has world-beating performance and durability, but manages to combine it with passenger car-like features and safety. Now, the fastest growing commercial brand in the Philippines has done it again by giving free preventive maintenance service, too.

Helping businesses keep their cash flows in check, Foton Philippines is giving all Hurricane EST-M trucks purchased now until August 31, 2019 free 1-year or 40,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) preventive maintenance service.

Built around a double-layer chassis and frame, the EST-M is strong and durable for even the heaviest of loads. It features a Foton-Cummins ISB 220 diesel engine and safety features such as ABS with EBD, Anti-Slip Regulator, and a collision mitigation system.

And keeping drivers comfortable even during long drives, the EST-M features a tilt/telescopic steering column, power windows and door locks, and generous three-across seating.

Could the 2019 Foton Hurricane EST-M be the Safest Truck in the Philippines?

Realizing that logistics enterprises are rapidly expanding in the Philippines, a dependable cargo hauler has become an integral part for businesses. Furthermore, because they’ve become a backbone of commerce, doing hub-to-hub deliveries or traversing through congested urban areas, it can tax both the drivers and trucks equally.

Thankfully, Foton Philippines, the third largest commercial vehicle brand in the country, has launched a new line of haulers, which can be deemed as the country’s safest: the 2019 Hurricane EST-M.

Built around a double-layer chassis and frame, the EST-M is extremely tough, giving it higher axle capacity, perfect for heavy loads. Together with its wider track, larger brakes, synchronizer-equipped gearbox, and Cummins Euro-4 engine, they’re capable of traversing even the most challenging terrain with ease. Moreover, top-notch safety is ensured by active safety features commonly found in passenger cars: Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with EBD, Anti-Slip Regulator (ASR), and even a collision mitigation system.

The 2019 Foton Hurricane EST-M 4x2 trucks were designed with fuel efficiency foremost in mind and with that, it gets the Foton-Cummins ISB 220 diesel engine. With an inline-6 layout, this turbocharged direct injection diesel engine generates 220 horsepower at 2,500 rpm and 800 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm.

Locally, the Hurricane EST-M truck is available in several sizes: a 22-footer and 25-footer cargo truck; a 25-footer cargo with crane; and a 6-wheeler dump truck with 9-cubic meter volume capacity.

The overall dimensions are the key difference between the three varieties. Both the EST-M 4x2 Cargo 25-footer truck and the EXT-M 4x2 Cargo with Crane truck has the following dimensions: 5,575mm for the wheelbase, 9,945mm length, 2,940mm width, and 2,775 for its height. Meanwhile, the EST-M 4x2 Dump Truck, has a 4,805mm wheelbase, 8,400mm length, 2,940 width, and a height of 2,770 mm. The payload capacity of the 25-footer EST-M 4x2 Cargo is 17,070 kg while the dump truck has 15,000 kg.

Keeping the driver comfortable even for long drives, the Foton Hurricane EST-M features a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power door locks and windows, a driver-friendly instrumentation, generous three-across seating, and storage spaces.

“Value has long been a hallmark of our products. It is one of the many attributes that made our commercial vehicle brand notch the third-best ranking in the overall local truck sales in 2018. The range of capabilities from light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks also coupled with the versatility of multiple body configurations enables us to serve the various needs of the Philippine market,” says Foton Philippines President Rommel Sytin. “With these trucks, we commit to provide businesses truck models that best fit the Filipino business needs’ requirements with full effectiveness, durability, quality, servicing, maintenance, and easy ownership costs.”

Foton Philippines Now Offers Financing for Heavy-Duty Trucks

Good news to all entrepreneurs wanting to purchase a brand-new heavy-duty truck, but also need to tighten their budget: Foton Philippines has found a solution.

Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI), the official distributor of Foton vehicles in the Philippines, and BPI-Family Savings Bank, the largest thrift bank in the country, ties up to extend financing offers to cover Foton’s heavy-duty truck line.

“Our brand’s promise is to empower businesses. From this, our team does the best in providing notable services from pre-purchase, actual sale, and aftersales. This includes the worry-free experience of our clients in availing our products at the lowest price possible,” said Foton Philippines President Rommel Sytin.

With this new program, the vehicles that could be availed through BPI-FB will no longer be limited to Foton passenger vehicles and light duty trucks, as the financing will be extended to heavy duty trucks, particularly up to the 10-wheelers.

“When it comes to bank financing, it usually takes several weeks, if not months, and the clients are lucky if they receive a feedback when they’re declined. With this new program, we assure to offer more flexible payment schemes, affordable packages, and most importantly, faster application process and approval,” Sytin added.

“This agreement has been put together to allow our dear clients to have their vehicle funded in ways that best suits their circumstances. Our interest rates are fixed for the duration of the agreement you opt for, allowing you to plan your finances moving forward with certainty,” said Dennis Fronda, FVP of BPI Family Savings Bank.

Foton continues to produce and design vehicles that would suffice the local transportation needs through durable and dependable vehicles within reach, and also capable to withstand challenging business operations. Because of this, Foton has jumped to become the Philippines third best-selling truck brand, and one of the top 10 selling nameplates in the country overall.

Foton Just Showed Off the Production Version of Its Modern PUV

Mid last year, Foton Motor Philippines, Inc., said they were introducing their own version of the Modern PUV. Now, as one of the leading commercial vehicle brands in the country, Foton has finally unveiled the production version of their Modern PUV: the Foton Jeepney or F-Jeep for short.

“In support to the major development plan of the government, Foton Philippines also aims to build a rationalized, modern, well-managed, and environment-friendly transport system where drivers and operators will experience stable, adequate and dignified livelihoods through the all-new Foton Jeepney.” announced Foton Philippines President Rommel Sytin.

As far as Modern PUVs go, the F-Jeep is one of the most advanced ones. Based off the Tornado 2.4C, it has a rear body designed and built by Centro Manufacturing Corporation, one of the country’s leading provider of truck bodies and truck-related equipment and services.

The F-Jeep is powered by a Cummins ISF 2.8 CRDi engine mated to a 5-speed manual. It generates 116 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque from as low as 1,300 rpm. And because it’s part of Foton’s Blue Energy line-up, it’s fully Euro 4 compliant.

The F-Jeep is a Class 2 Public Utility Vehicle (based on the Philippine National Standards) holding a maximum capacity of 24 passengers—16 seating and 8 standing. However, unlike other modern PUVs, the 5.65-meter length, 1.82-meter width, and 2.61-meter height means head- and legroom for passengers. In addition, it has wider doors making ingress and egress easier.

Besides the additional room to stretch around, the F-Jeep is also equipped with air conditioning, GPS navigation, a CCTV camera, dashboard camera, and an entertainment system with portable WiFi connection to keep passengers in comfort while on the road. There’s even a cashless tap card based-collection system too.

“It’s time to make a step forward with our entries for the PUV modernization.” said Sytin. “The launch of the Foton Jeepney will not just provide a comfortable riding experience for the commuters. We also aim to promote the capabilities of the national icon of Philippine transportation.” he added.