China-based Beiqi Foton Motor Company, one of Asia’s biggest car companies, is searching for methods to enter India. An association with SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh’s firm, Argentum Motors, is likely, for now.
Beiqi Foton (or Foton) is the biggest light truck producer in China, with focus on heavy trucks and buses too.
The company is planning to introduce its bus range first in India, and then the truck rage, as per the industry insiders.
The company is intending to import vehicle kits (completely knocked down) into India from China, to be assembled here, using minimal parts from the local market. It may introduce local production operations after judging the response for its products here.
If everything goes all right, Foton will be the 2nd large Chinese brand to enter India after SAIC Motor Corporation, China’s biggest carmaker, took over half the stake of General Motors India and declared plans for the local market.
Beiqi Foton operates in the low-floor city bus segment, and the intra city/state luxury segment. Better government spending on advertising mass transport alternatives within cities and higher demand by fleet and private operators have lead to a healthy demand for buses in India.