Foton South Africa has expanded its local line-up with the launch of the Tunland V9 PHEV unveiled at the BAIC Foton Africa Partners Conference in Gqeberha recently – although confirmed a launch date and pricing still have to be decided.
The introduction brings electrified mobility and local production together as the brand strengthens its presence in South Africa and grows its role across African markets.
The Tunland V9 PHEV brings plug-in hybrid technology to the Tunland range, pairing rechargeable electric driving with the flexibility of a petrol engine. Unlike the existing Tunland V9 mild-hybrid diesel, the PHEV combines a 2,0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine with front and rear electric motors, a 32,8 kWh battery and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission, delivering a combined 350 kW and up to 800 Nm of torque.
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An electric driving range of up to 110 km allows many shorter daily journeys to be completed on electric power alone, while a WLTC combined driving range of 1 000 km supports longer-distance travel. WLTC combined fuel consumption is as low as 2,0 l/100 km, and fuel efficiency improves by more than 30% compared with conventional fuel-powered vehicles, even in charge-sustaining mode, when the hybrid system maintains the battery's charge rather than drawing it down.
For South African motorists, the combination offers a practical route into electrified driving. Regular charging allows owners to make greater use of electric power in their daily routine, while the petrol engine provides flexibility when travelling beyond the battery's electric range. This helps address the range anxiety associated with fully electric vehicles, particularly on routes where charging infrastructure is limited.
"South African bakkie owners need a vehicle that can accommodate the working week, family responsibilities and longer journeys," says Marius Smal, CEO of Foton South Africa. "The Tunland V9 PHEV introduces electric driving into that routine while retaining the flexibility of a petrol engine. It gives customers another way to approach electrified mobility without making charging infrastructure the deciding factor in every journey."
The double-cab bakkie measures 5 617 mm long and 2 090 mm wide, with a load box of 1 580 mm by 1 650 mm by 500 mm. A 220 V external power supply extends its usefulness beyond transport, allowing it to power compatible tools, camping appliances and lighting within the system's operating limits.
Inside, a 14,6-inch central touchscreen and a 12,3-inch digital instrument display handle vehicle information and infotainment, while wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging and dual-zone automatic air-conditioning add everyday convenience.
Driver-assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and lane-departure warning.
Foton's manufacturing operation in Gqeberha forms an important part of its long-term development in South Africa and its wider international strategy. Completely Knocked Down vehicle production commenced in 2026, establishing local assembly from supplied components and strengthening South Africa's role within Foton's manufacturing and export network.
As BAIC Group's first overseas vehicle manufacturing base, the operation provides a foundation for serving domestic demand and developing export supply, with an annual production capacity of approximately 50 000 vehicles.
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The wider manufacturing project has created more than 3 000 direct and indirect jobs and supported over 150 local small and medium-sized enterprises through packaging and supply-chain activities. Beyond vehicle assembly, the operation creates opportunities to develop automotive production skills and deepen the participation of South African suppliers, with further development focused on expanding production, strengthening supplier partnerships and increasing localisation.
"Gqeberha is an important part of our long-term commitment to South Africa," says Luo Yunjie, VP of BAIC Foton International. "Developing local manufacturing means building production capability alongside the skills and supplier relationships needed to sustain it. Our focus is on strengthening that foundation as we develop opportunities in South Africa and across African markets."
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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