Wednesday, 27 February 2013 08:15
Closing the Gap | 2012 Foton Thunder 2.8L CRDi 4x2 MT
Words by Beeboy Bargas | Photos by Christopher Kho
2WD and 4WD pickup trucks are an intriguing kind. Why? First of all, pickup trucks are basically hauling vehicles for items that one would not normally put in an SUV; like something fairly large, heavy, and most probably dirty, or smelly. They're also regularly used by utility companies and all sorts of fleet services for cargo transport. But what makes them really intriguing is how today's lifestyle has made pickup trucks de riguer for bringing mountain bikes, dive gears, motorcycles, and what have you. It’s even no longer uncommon to see the fairer sex drive them on the streets.This brings me to the latest test unit Foton has generously lent me. Having driven Foton's old pickup truck some three years back, one could easily tell that this Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer still had some miles to go in terms of closing the quality gap to its American and Japanese counterparts. Think how Korean cars were back in the 80's and early 90's. But that was before. Now, Foton is presenting its second generation pickup truck called the Thunder. And dare I say, if you're a serious buyer who is more concerned with getting what you to do in a pickup truck, then the Thunder should be for your serious consideration.
Published in
Pickup
Monday, 21 January 2013 07:22
COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 7: Big, small, and everything in between
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos by Hans Gerald Chua and author
On a regular day, we'd have around 8 to 10 cars to drive at the Qualitative Testing for the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). But this was no regular day. Last January 12, 2013, the boys and girls of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) found themselves face-to-face with 17 shiny new cars and they had to drive every single one of them. Though the experience was fun, we were all left battered and bruised by the day's end. Still, we got to drive big, small, and everything in between.
The smallest of the bunch were all four variants of the all-new Mirage from Mitsubishi. Following on its trail are the trio of Chevrolet Sonics, in both hatchback and notchback (sedan) forms. Then there were the heavyweights. Chevrolet brought three Colorados with 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains; Foton stepped up with their own all-new Thunder 4x2 and 4x4; and Mitsubishi fielded their 3.0L V6-equipped Montero Sport. But I guess it goes without saying that the crème de la crème were from newcomer Peugeot, who brought their entire line-up: the 3008 crossover, 5008 mpv, 508 sedan, and RCZ sports coupe.
Published in
Car of the Year
Tuesday, 09 October 2012 06:21
Foton's Big Show returns this 2012 to Empower Your Business
Now bigger, better, and brawnier, Foton's Big Show returns this October 19 to 21, 2012 to “Empower Your Business.” And this time around, they've moved to a bigger venue to accommodate their huge line-up and even bigger Power Deals, at the Main Hall A of the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
After Foton's new heavy and construction equipment headlined last year's Big Show, another behemoth is set to step into the limelight this year. The all-new Foton Thunder, which debuted at the Manila International Auto Show last April, will finally step up to the challenges of the road. This is not simply your basic utilitarian pick-up truck, but instead, is aesthetically and functionally equipped to take what the Japanese and Americans have to offer head-on. And the best part is, you get to Test Drive it at the show.
Of course, Foton's Big Show 2012 wouldn't be complete without their unbeatable deals. Here's the 7 Power Deals you shouldn't miss:
Published in
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, 10 April 2012 10:03
Foton steps-up with the all-new Thunder pick-up at MIAS
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Best known for their line of heavy equipment, utilitarian trucks, and trailers, United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), the exclusive distributor of Foton in the Philippines, is now ready to take on new territory after launching their latest pick-up at the 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). While the Blizzard was the trusty workhorse for the field, the all-new Thunder is a noble steed that should have no problems rubbing elbows with the big boys.
Published in
Newly Launched
Wednesday, 21 March 2012 06:44
10 cars making their debut at the 8th Manila International Auto Show
Words by Christopher Kho
The 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) is all set to go this March 29, 2012 at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City. With 26,000 sq. meters of exhibit space, it promises to be the Philippines' biggest motoring event of the year yet again. And in line with year's theme “Life in the Fast Lane,” we're giving you a quick preview of the 10 new cars scheduled to make their official Philippine debut at the show.
Published in
Newly Launched
Monday, 14 November 2011 08:50
Foton flaunts new brand identity under a stronger global vision
Foton Motor Philippines (FMP) recently unveiled its new corporate logo to put their new stronger global vision into high gear. Designed by world-renowned Erik Spiekermann, the revamped emblem has grown a halo around Foton's inverted three-tier diamond to form a more robust sterling diamond. As one of the country's leading commercial vehicle brands, FMP aims to reach higher and grow further. This initiative is in-line with Foton's vision to become one of the Top 10 vehicle manufacturers in the world by 2020.
Published in
Industry Update
Friday, 21 October 2011 12:11
COTY 2011 - 2012 Test Fest Day 6: The last hurrah
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
We have finally reached the last episode of this year's Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) qualitative tests. The weekend's roster included a Foton MPX 12-seater, Volvo S60 T4 and T5, and a diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze. Having a short list of four contenders for the day of testing wasn’t half bad considering the impending traffic we expected from the nearby malls’ three-day sales.
As one might remember, the Cruze still is the reigning Car of the Year, so it would be quite interesting how it fairs with a new engine. But that's not the only car that stood out during last Sunday's test. The Foton MPX, for the record, was also a category winner in last year's COTY race in the Van and MPV category. Unfortunately, as a lone entry in the category this year, it might not take home any accolades. Nevertheless, we were quite impressed how much it has improved in just a year's time. The Volvo S60 too makes its come back in COTY. This time around, the S60 is armed with smaller 1.6L turbo and 2.0L turbo engines. As it missed out on a category win by a whisker last year, we're all hoping that the sexy S60 finally gets some recognition.
Published in
Car of the Year
Wednesday, 12 October 2011 09:17
Foton gets supersized with the Big Show this October
Foton Motor Philippines (FMP) is set to stage its biggest blowout EVER. Join the Foton Big Show: The New Energy of Business, a trade-in and exhibit held on October 20 to 23, 2011 at the PICC Forum 2 in Pasay City. Catch amazing deals and discount at the Foton Palitan Fest 2 and exchange your old vehicle for a brand new Foton. The event will also stage the unveiling of the brand's latest product line-up, headed by Foton's new line of heavy equipment and construction machineries.
Foton Palitan Fest 2
Featuring an easy and systematic process, the Foton Palitan Fest 2 enables participants to complete the trade-in requirements, all in one day. Representatives from major banks and buy-and-sell firms will be present during the event to assist customers with their trade-in and bank financing applications. You can get your old vehicles appraised, have its papers processed, and then drive home in your brand new Foton in just a few minutes.
Getting the best Foton for your business is now as easy as driving in your old wheels!
Published in
Contest and Promos
Tuesday, 22 March 2011 15:32
Boost your business with Foton's Go Asenso Promo
Foton Motor Philippines Press Release
Foton Motor Philippines (FMP) gears up for a breathtaking summer kick-off as it launches its first ever GO ASENSO promo this 2011! With its breakthrough affordable financing packages bundled with irresistible freebies, owning a Foton is now made easy and guaranteed to boost your business' potential. Choose a plan that best suits your budget. With the LOW DOWNPAYMENT scheme, choose between FREE 3 year LTO registration, 1 year comprehensive insurance, and chattel mortgage or FREE 2 months amortization and start paying on the 3rd month. You can also opt for the LOW MONTHLY scheme and pay as low as P7,097/month or P237/day.
Published in
Contest and Promos
Friday, 18 March 2011 15:47
DOLE Philippines Inc. chooses the Foton Blizzard for its fleet
Foton Motor Phils. Press Release
Foton Motor Phils. (FMP) and Foton General Santos, successfully turned-over of 5 units of its Blizzard 4x2 and 4x4 turbo-charged pick-up trucks to DOLE Philippines, the world's largest producer and marketer of high-quality fruits, vegetables, and quality packaged foods. The Blizzard will be used to aid in the transport service needs of DOLE’s Agro-Industrial Maintenance Division located at Polotana Road, Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Published in
Industry Update
