Shanghai (Gasgoo)- FOTON, the Chinese commercial vehicle maker backed by BAIC Group, recently deepened its presence in Saudi Arabia with two major breakthroughs: the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a localized manufacturing plant and the delivery of 1,000 customized school buses to Saudi clients, according to a press release FOTON issued on June 24 via its WeChat account.
FOTON said both milestones mark its transition from product export to in-depth local collaboration, further strengthening China-Saudi Arabia ties in the automotive sector.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates industrial transformation under its Vision 2030 strategy, FOTON is seizing the opportunity to scale its presence in the market. On June 19, Foton International Trade signed a four-party MoU with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment, Industrial Center, and the local conglomerate Petromin to jointly establish a commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia. The facility will focus on producing heavy-duty trucks, light-duty trucks, and buses.
The project aligns with Saudi Arabia's push for industrial localization and aims to support the country's manufacturing and logistics development. It is expected to enhance supply chain resilience, boost localization, create job opportunities, and foster the growth of local SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), contributing to the kingdom's broader goals for sustainable and high-quality industrial growth.
The MoU also reflects a major milestone in FOTON's ongoing internationalization strategy. The company has already established 32 localized manufacturing facilities worldwide, with products and services spanning more than 130 countries and regions. The latest Saudi initiative marks a significant upgrade in FOTON's global industrial synergy capabilities.
On June 21, FOTON delivered 1,000 tailor-made school buses to a major Saudi client. These vehicles will serve students in Riyadh and Jazan, ensuring safe and comfortable daily transportation. Equipped with Cummins ISF2.8 engines, the buses deliver strong performance on steep gradients and long-distance routes. An ESC stability control system enhances passenger safety, while climate-optimized dual-side air ducts and an upgraded cooling system provide reliable comfort in the kingdom's extreme heat.
Designed for safety and comfort, the buses also feature long wheelbases, individually adjustable child seats, and spacious interiors. FOTON said it has established a comprehensive service framework including end-to-end tracking, key component stockpiling, and round-the-clock support to ensure uninterrupted student mobility.
