Foton Motor establishes independent global shipping supply chain

Foton Motor and COSCO Shipping have launched a joint venture, Guangzhou Yuanfu Automotive Supply Chain, to establish a dedicated ocean shipping supply chain for Foton’s growing international vehicle exports. The venture was unveiled on 26 March alongside the delivery of a roll-on/roll-off vessel and the departure of a first export order of 600 Foton pickup trucks bound for South America.

The partnership integrates COSCO Shipping’s global logistics network with Foton Motor’s export volumes, providing the truckmaker with customised maritime services for complete vehicles and knocked-down parts. Foton says the arrangement delivers advantages in delivery reliability, cost control and long-term supply chain planning as global freight rates and schedules remain volatile.

Foton Motor recorded 164,500 overseas vehicle sales in 2025, with cumulative international sales exceeding 1.25 million units across more than 140 countries and regions. The company says it has ranked first in overseas sales among Chinese commercial vehicle brands for 15 consecutive years.

“Establishing the joint venture was an inevitable choice as the company’s overseas business reached its current scale,” said Zhu Youfu, Vice President of Foton Motor. Zhang Chi, Deputy General Manager of COSCO Shipping, added that the cooperation would set a new benchmark for collaboration between the automotive and shipping industries.

Source: PR Newswire