As most of you already know, Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI) provides a wide array of products that can meet the transport and logistics needs of many Filipinos. The brand is well-known for its vehicles like the Tornado series of light to heavy trucks, the Transvan models, the Gratour MPV, and the Thunder pickup truck.
The Foton Tornado
Besides selling vehicles however, the said marque has also made strides in providing quality education and competent skills to those who need it. The said company does this via the Foton Academy, which currently operates in cooperation with the Pampanga Manpower Training Center (PMTC.)
At the Foton Academy, participants can train, acquire, and hone skills pertaining mainly to the automotive industry. Specifically, they offer the Automotive Servicing National Certificate (NC II) or Automotive Servicing NC II in short.
Foton Academy graduates showing off their certificates
Of note, the Automotive Servicing NC II consists of competencies ranging from basic workplace safety and communication to being able to fix literally anything in relation to motor vehicles. To this end, it is quite a holistic course that can prepare aspiring mechanics for a fruitful career in the automotive industry.
The Automotive Servicing NC II that Foton Academy offers is a six-month training program where those qualified can now receive it for free. On top of being provided the necessary training, graduates can then be employed at the FMPI manufacturing plant located at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.
The Foton Assembly Plant in Pampanga
In a much larger scope, the opening and operation of the Foton Academy by FMPI, PMTC, as well as the Pampanga provincial government will also provide a solution to the dwindling employment rate caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
So for those of you who want to expand their skills, want to change career paths, or are interested in automotive servicing from the get-go, the Foton Academy can be a great choice for you.
For more news on interesting projects by local car brands like the Foton Academy, stick with us here on Philkotse.
Know more about Foton Gratour 2024
The Foton Gratour 2024 is a series of configurations that includes Wingvan, F-Van, MPV, and Dropside. It is available in the Philippines in five variants and the Foton Gratour Philippines price starts from Php 570,000 and goes at Php 730,000. Powering the vehicle is a 1.5-liter DAM15DR gasoline engine that is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission only. Depending on the variant, the engine can produce either 110 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque, or 114 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque.
In terms of dimensions, the largest numbers are found on the MPV configuration which spans 4,525 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 2,145 mm high, with a wheelbase rated at 2,650 mm. Locally, the Gratour competes against the likes of the Suzuki APV, Kaicene Honor S, and BAIC M50S.
>>> New and used Foton Gratour 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Foton Gratour Launch
The Gratour iM6 variant was displayed at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show. It was then formally launched in February 2020. Another popular variant is the Gratour MiniVan which was first introduced in 2015, powered by a 1.2L engine. Following the success of its first-generation model, Foton Philippines launched the new 2019 Gratour MiniVan. Meanwhile, the Gratour Midi Truck range was introduced in 2017, which comprises the Dropside, Wing Van, Patrol Jeep, Jeepney, and MPV variants. Foton is known for its affordability and versatility, particularly in provincial cities.
Foton Gratour Exterior
The newest Foton Gratour iM6 adapts the design aesthetic of more popular vehicles in its segment. However, it is taller and wider than most MPVs. In front is a large chrome grille that is complemented by sweeping multi-reflector headlamps and fog lamps. The straightforward and minimally-designed iM6 rides on 15-inch alloys.
On the other hand, the Gratour MiniVan boasts five doors, two of which are sliding. Its body has been revamped from the previous generation, which now features an improved front grille, sculpted lines on each side, and 14-inch alloy wheels. It features halogen headlights and fog lights.
Meanwhile, the Gratour Midi Truck range offers multiple body options to cater to specific business and hauling needs. The lineup follows the design of typical midi trucks released by other brands. All of the Midi Trucks ride on 14-inch wheels.
Foton Gratour Interior
The 7-seater Gratour iM6 is decked in full leather upholstery for all seats as well as the steering wheel. On the second row are captain seats with recline adjustability. Its entire cabin is spacious with plenty of headroom and legroom even at full capacity.
The 8-seater MiniVan also offers a generous amount of space, with the third-row seats designed to fold up to accommodate additional cargo. Its cabin sports a neutral color palette and all seats are wrapped in soft fabric, giving a clean and simple look.
Foton Gratour Technology & Safety Features
The iM6 2024 is equipped with a trip computer that reflects the vehicle’s tachometer, fuel, and temperature gauge. On top of this is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Bluetooth, AUX, and USB. It also comes with an automatic climate control system, a reverse camera, backup sensors, and an anti-lock brake system for added convenience and safety.
Meanwhile, the MiniVan comes with electronic brake distribution, an anti-lock brake system, and a keyless push start button. The commercial vehicle variants, on the other hand, are equipped with the bare necessities such as a basic audio and radio system, front and rear air-conditioning, and an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake distribution.
Platform & Chassis
Foton Gratour’s iM6 variant comes with a McPherson strut front suspension and five-link non-independent rear suspension that keeps the vehicle stable and comfortable through rough roads. The top range variant’s stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear disc brakes.
The MiniVan MPV variant comes with front McPherson struts with coil springs and rear leaf spring suspension. It is equipped with disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the rear.
The Midi Truck range is also set up with independent McPherson struts in front and rigid leaf springs at the rear. The commercial vehicle models are equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Engine & Drivetrain
Across all variants of the Gratour is a 1.5L DAM 15 DR gasoline engine that produces a range of 110 hp to 114 hp, depending on the variant. Its top-spec variant, the iM6, produces 115 hp and 150 Nm of torque while the MiniVan’s Euro-4 compliant engine and the Midi Truck range can power out up to 114 hp and 150 Nm of torque. All engines powering the Foton Gratour lineup are able to haul the maximum weight capacity of each model with ease and comfort.
The engine is connected to a 5-speed manual transmission. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels for the iM6 variant and the rest of the commercial vehicles, while it goes to the front wheels for the MiniVan variant.
Available colors for the Foton Gratour are White, Brown, and Brown Metallic.
What separates the Foton Gratour from its rivals such as the Kaicene Honor S 2024 and Suzuki APV is that it is available in a wide array of configurations.
Foton Gratour 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Foton Gratour 1.5 MT Dropside | ₱570,000 |
| Foton Gratour MT 1.5 F-Van | ₱665,000 |
| Foton Gratour 1.5 TM MPV Single AC | ₱690,000 |
| Foton Gratour MT 1.5 Wing Van | ₱715,000 |
| Foton Gratour 1.5 MT MPV Dual AC | ₱730,000 |
Foton Gratour Pros & Cons
Pros
- Available in various configurations
- Good cabin space
- Affordable
Cons
- Unexciting design
- Ride can be bumpy for rear passengers
- Lacks fast acceleration
₱ 520,000 - ₱ 708,000
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