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News - Foton - Tunland - Dual Cab UteFoton says timing right for market returnTunland nameplate returns after six-year hiatus, reinventing the Foton brand for Australia28 Oct 2025 By MATT BROGAN AFTER a six-year hiatus, Foton has returned its Tunland dual-cab utility range to the Australian market, this time under the auspices of the company behind Subaru’s success Down Under.
Previous generations of Tunland were sold locally from 2012 to 2019 via multiple distributors before being handed back to Foton Global, which withdrew the model in 2019 after failing to secure a solid dealer base – and adequate aftersales support and parts.
But Foton Australia’s newest representative, Inchcape Australasia, insists such issues are a distant memory, saying the brand is committed to building upon its 22-strong dealer network as it launches the Tunland V7 and V9 ranges into a bustling local market – with close 30 sites targeted by the end of this year.
Until it can expand its national retail footprint, Foton Australia has its work cut out in matching the presence of Chinese rivals and more established players.
Its Tunland V7 and V9 range will launch only with a dual-cab body style, and only with a pick-up style tray. Alloy trays, service bodies, tow bars, and accessories including racking and frontal protection equipment are still some time from becoming available.
But Foton Australia general manager Glen Cooper insists this is a minor hiccup on a road towards greater success, telling GoAuto the Tunland offering is about recognising value in a market that increasingly favours dual-cab utes for both work and play.
“In recent years, the (ute) market has split in two different directions,” he said.
“On one side, the traditional dual-cab utes – dependable, familiar, but limited in size. On the other, the extra-large heavy-duty pick-ups – impressive, but over-sized, and often out of reach for many buyers.
“The gap between the two has been widened, and that is exactly where Tunland fits.
“It’s the ute that bridges the gap. Big enough to carry, tow, and tackle the hard work, but refined and smart enough to serve as a daily driver or a family adventure companion.”
While the product would appear to tick most of the boxes, it is Foton’s sales and support network that has let it down in the past.
Mr Cooper said the importer was keen to not make the same mistakes twice, emphasising that under Inchape Australasia and with the benefit of the company's logistics, inventory management and fleet conversions subsidiary Autonexus it would ensure Foton has the aftersales backing it so poorly lacked last time around.
“As of today, we have 22 fully functioning dealerships offering a decent, but growing, split between metropolitan and regional locations,” he explained.
“Our aim is to offer a well-supported national network, and we’ve got a running time to be able to do that.
“We knew that we needed to get national representation to be able to launch (the Tunland V7 and V9) and we have achieved that through our 22 sites. But that is nowhere near where we are stopping.”
While Mr Cooper would not detail how many localities Foton planned to establish over the years ahead, he said the scope of the importer’s dealership presence would grow in step with product volume.
“Of course, we need the (sales) volume to support (that growth), so we’ll obviously match to that and make sure we do the same for servicing. I think we’ll be closer to 30 locations by the end of the year,” he suggested.
“We have had a very good spread of commentary and enquiry from metro and regional areas, and a similar mixture of pre-orders. I think our dealers and customers will tell us what works, and where we need to be.
“Today is our starting point, and we will move with the market to make sure we can cover the demand.
Importantly, Mr Cooper said that Foton was keen to not repeat the mistakes of the past.
In partnering with Inchcape Australasia, it has secured the stock and parts supply needed to operate successfully in the local market, ensuring customers are well supported throughout the ownership term.
“Stock is one of those dynamic things, and we work hard to make sure we get the stock mix as close as possible (to customer preference),” he stated.
“(Additionally), one of the massive benefits of being part of the Inchcape group is access to our parts distribution partner in AutoNexus – we’ve essentially been able to plug-and-play.
“We get all the support that Inchcape brands get. It’s as simple as that. And that is part of what makes this (the Tunland) such a compelling offer for Australians.
“This vehicle will be absolutely well supported from day one. There is no question about it,” he concluded.
Speaking at the Tunland relaunch in Victoria, Inchape Australasia managing director Blair Read said the company is diversifying its portfolio “with brands that complement our existing range and allow us to meet the needs of customers across every segment in the Australian market”.
“With nearly three decades of expertise, Foton has built a reputation as one of China’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers.
“From light-duty trucks to heavy haulers, and now a new-generation of intelligent new energy vehicles, Foton has proven what happens when engineering strength meets development and relentless reliability.
“That story comes to Australia at a time when our market has never been more ready for it. So, why Foton, and why now for Inchcape?
“Well, Australia has always had a strong connection to trucks and utes … They are more than vehicles here. They are part of how Australians work, live, move, and play, and the ute has really become the heartbeat of the Australian market, representing over 20 per cent of all new vehicle sales.
“Consumers are open to new brands … and it’s why this partnership is so exciting for us at Inchcape – it’s a space we have long wanted to participate in.
“This partnership is about more than adding another brand or another nameplate. It’s about embracing the next wave of mobility and connecting Australian customers to a brand that combines proven truck expertise with cutting edge innovation.
“And there’s a lot more exciting product to come over the next 12 months.”  Read more11th of August 2025  Sharp pricetag on incoming Foton Tunland uteFoton utes return Down Under with four-variant Tunland line-up priced from $40K + ORC4th of August 2025  KRW rolls out hydrogen fuel cell Quantum truckKRW Motor Group showcases hydrogen fuel cell Quantum truck ahead of local launch19th of May 2025  Bigger Foton electric trucks on the wayFoton announces 8.5-tonne and 18-tonne electric trucks, here in second half of 2025 |
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