‘V’rute brothers on roadshow

This writer first chanced upon Foton’s newest lineup of pickups at the Manila International Auto Show early this year. It was awe-inspiring to see these behemoths in the flesh, the Foton Tunland V7 and V9, as these are the company’s newest offering to the local pickup market.

Particularly, I was fascinated by these brutes’ diesel hybrid technology.

For starters, the Foton Tunland lineup of pickups debuted in Beijing, China last year and has been commended for their technological achievements.

These are one of Foton’s first few products to feature a hybrid power system. They pack a power peak torque of up to 450 N-m, yet achieve a 10-percent reduction in fuel consumption through auto start-stop, energy recovery systems, and an ultra-high-pressure combustion system, with a maximum thermal efficiency of 50 percent.

Moreover, the Foton’s DHT Hybrid Power System, electric and extended-range electric systems, with a maximum battery capacity of 100KWh can achieve a total driving range of up to 900 km.

Also, these giants sport a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension structure that meets the demands of strong off-road capabilities and high load-bearing capacity while keeping a comfortable drive.

Now, these ‘V’rute Brothers are again on display. This time, dubbed as: “The Tunland On Tour”, the exhibit is set to run at the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia from October 3 to October 9, which will be followed by more displays at other malls at other dates.

UAAGI executives, from left, AVP for Brand and Marketing, Jun Maneze; Foton Motor PH General Manager, Levy Santos; Chairman, Rommel Sytin and Chief Marketing Officer, Lyn Buena pose beside the stunning Foton Tunland V7.

“This is the very first outing for this roadshow, featuring our latest full-sized diesel hybrid pickups, the Foton Tunland V7 and the Foton Tunland V9,” shared Lyn Buena, the chief marketing executive of United Asia Automotive Group, Inc., official local distributors of the Foton brand.

“These two pickup trucks were launched last April at the Manila International Auto Show and right now we’re doing a roadshow to showcase them to the rest of the market,” she continued.

According to her, with the support of Foton’s wide dealership network of 24 dealers nationwide, they will be holding displays in various malls of the country until the end of the year.

“Our objective is to show the market these full-sized pickups and the XL Experience that our products deliver. We believe that a lot of the pickup enthusiasts will appreciate the power and the capability of these two pickups,” she added.

Redefining dependability and a carmaker’s value-packed commercial offerings

These trucks are now actually redefining a carmaker that has been long known for its dependable and value-packed commercial vehicles. These Tunlands are introducing new levels of luxury, space, and technology. Hence, they’re bannering the technological evolution of Foton commercial vehicles from workhorse trucks to lifestyle vehicles.

“We’re excited to let the public take an up close and personal look at our new Tunland V7 and V9 pickups, which will set new size, luxury, performance, and fuel-efficiency benchmarks in the lifestyle pickup truck segment,” said Foton Motor Philippines Inc. general manager, Levy Santos.

Measuring a massive 5,617 millimeters in length, 2,090 millimeters in width and 1,910 millimeters in height, and with a ground clearance of 240 millimeters, these vehicles are further exceeding market expectations for a pickup.

Both pack a solid 2.0-liter Aucan turbo-diesel engine, mated to a 48V mild-hybrid system that churns out 161 hp and a hefty 450 N-m of torque.

They sport massive nifty grille upfront paired with LED headlamps, resembling other Western pickup giants. These are then complemented by all the intricacies that make its size and muscular profile on the outside.

Stunning top-spec Foton Tunland V9, together with an equally stunning model, is simply awe-inspiring.

Inside, their cavernous cabins are adorned by luxurious leather upholstery that exude that premium feel. Intricate styling and stitches then abound. Likewise, they offer automatic climate control, a large 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which all come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Carbit connectivity functionalities.

“Aside from world-class technology, superior product value, and fuel-efficiency, the Tunland is backed by a solid 5-year/150,000-km warranty,” Santos concluded.