WHEN BAIC subsidiary, Foton’s first CKD pickup rolled off the production line at its Gqeberha plant, the Tunland G7 became the first Chinese brand to be made in a complete-knocked-down (CKD) process in South Africa. According to the company, this milestone, reached on 30 September, highlights its deepening local manufacturing capabilities and reflects its firm commitment to Africa as part of its global expansion strategy.
It said, as a key achievement under BAIC Foton’s Lighthouse Plan’ in Africa, the launch also underscores the growing industrial cooperation between China and South Africa.
Local manufacturing
Since launching its Africa strategy, BAIC Foton has accelerated its full industrial chain deployment in South Africa under the ‘Lighthouse Plan’. As BAIC Group’s first overseas vehicle manufacturing base, the Gqeberha plant represents a US$226 million investment and spans 540,000 square metres –making it the largest automotive project in South Africa in nearly 40 years, according to the company. The facility now houses production lines for BAIC Foton’s light-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks and pickups.
The successful rollout of the pickup marks a major step toward building a full-category production system at the Gqeberha plant, laying a solid foundation for serving the broader African market. Moving forward, the company says the plant will integrate local R&D, marketing, training and parts distribution to strengthen regional supply chain resilience and drive a strategic shift from product export to industrial empowerment.
Regional growth
BAIC says it remains committed to growing alongside Africa. By deepening local integration across manufacturing, services, finance, and new energy, the company is advancing technology transfer and talent development – creating over 1,000 jobs in South Africa and supporting the growth of upstream and downstream industry clusters.
The South Africa plant adopts a flexible production model combining semi-knocked-down (SKD) for trucks and CKD for pickups, working closely with local partners to enhance supply chain efficiency and better respond to Africa’s diverse market needs. The newly launched pickup is a prime example of ‘local innovation for African demand’, the company said.
Looking ahead, the company said it will continue to advance its ‘Lighthouse Plan’, using South Africa as a strategic hub to drive the African commercial vehicle industry toward higher-end, smarter, and greener development. “By continuously strengthening local operations and expanding its product portfolio, BAIC Foton is committed to making South Africa a benchmark for the African commercial vehicle market. With a more open and inclusive approach, it will work hand in hand with local partners to forge a new future of mutual benefit and shared success between China and Africa,” The company said.
