Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI) knows the dreadful effects the global health crisis has brought on the economy of the country. The COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, forced many local businesses to close for good resulting in people losing their jobs.
For that reason, FMPI decided to offer training programs that involve world-class automotive skill training with the help of the Pampanga Provincial government. To make the training program more compelling, FMPI said that trainees will be offered sure employment.
(L-R): Mr. Erroll (FMPI VP Customer Service Division), Mr. Rommel Sytin, and Ms. Luningning Vergara
“We will train them to acquire knowledge in electronics and other new technologies aligned with the automotive industry. This is our way of giving back,” said Rommel Sytin, President of FMPI.
As for FMPI, its collaboration with the Pampanga Provincial government is its way to continuously support the growth and development of the economy. Both parties are hoping to see the training program provide a long-term effect to citizens not only in Central Luzon but also throughout the country.
>>> Related: Foton is mobility partner of choice for San Pedro Transport
A way to give back to Filipinos
The program provides a 6-month training that enables trainees to learn more about critical skills whenever manpower vacancy jobs are needed. Some of the training programs include familiarization with required skills as a heavy equipment operator, driver, and automotive mechanic.
Luningning Vergara, the Head of Public Employment, says that they are very thankful to FMPI as the training program is a huge help amid the pandemic. She further added that FMPI’s training program will not only help trainees learn various skills needed in the industry, but also help them secure a job.
>>> Related: Foton Philippines to introduce three modern Jeepneys this week
(L-R): Mr. Rommel Sytin, Pampanga Provincial Governor Dennis Delta Pineda, and Ms. Luningning Vergara
The training program will be held at the Pampanga Manpower Training Center, a technical vocational training school supervised by the provincial government of Pampanga. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit Pampanga Manpower Training Center’s official Facebook page for further inquiries.
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Know more about Foton Thunder 2024
Foton Thunder is the latest midsize pickup truck from the said brand. Locally, it has six available variants with a starting retail price of Php 1,080,000.
Size-wise, the all-new Thunder is 5,340mm long, 1,940mm wide, and 1,870mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 3,220mm for the 4x2 trims, and 3,110mm for the 4x4 trims. It then features a ground clearance of 220mm.
Under the hood of the Foton Thunder is a 2.0-liter diesel AUCAN inline-4 engine. At the most, this engine can make up to 160 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. Torque figures for the 4x4 are then rated at 390 Nm.
Available gearbox options for the Thunder include a six-speed manual gearbox for the 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Only the 4x2 version may come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The local competitors of the 2024 Foton Thunder include the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Strada, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Maxus T-60, among others.
>>> New and used Foton Thunder 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Foton Thunder Launch
The 2024 Foton Thunder’s variants were launched at different major events spanning the years 2022 to 2023.
First off is the Thunder 4x2 MT, which was introduced at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show. This was then followed by the Thunder 4x2 AT, which was presented at the 2022 Philippine International Auto Show.
The last to be revealed is the Thunder 4x4 MT. This occurred at the 2023 Foton Big Show.
Foton Thunder Exterior
The 2024 Foton Thunder’s appearance strikes a good balance between macho, and utilitarian.
All trims come with projector headlamps and LED front fog lamps. Likewise present on this model is a side-step board, and a sports bar (4x4). The Thunder then comes standard with a cargo bed liner, as well as LED taillights.
Completing the look of this Foton pickup truck is a set of 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Foton Thunder Interior
Step inside the Thunder and you’ll be greeted by a straightforward, but comfortable interior built for up to five occupants.
Present inside are diamond-stitch patterned leather seats and soft-touch surfaces on the interior door cards. Silver trims are likewise fitted onto the dashboard and center console. Extra comfort for the rear passengers is provided with a deployable elbow rest.
The driver is then provided with a push-to-start button, an electronically adjustable seat, a tilt & telescopic steering wheel, and power side mirrors.
Keeping everyone inside the Thunder cool is an automatic air-conditioning system. For the 4x4 trim, it gets a drivetrain mode knob.
>>> Read more information about Foton Thunder:
- New Foton Thunder 4x4 MT variant launched at 2023 Foton Big Show
- MIAS 2022: Foton Thunder brings beefier stance, new 2.0 turbodiesel
Technology & Safety Features
Keeping the Thunder’s occupants entertained is a 10.25-inch touchscreen headunit. For connectivity, it gets Bluetooth, USB, and smartphone mirroring.
Safety is then handled by dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-descent control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, hill-hold control, etc. Added to the 4x4 trim is a front-collision warning system, a pedestrian protection system, and a mechanical differential lock.
Platform & Chassis
The latest generation Thunder model of the 5-seater pick-up is delivered with an upgraded 3-inch suspension lift kit. Front suspension comes in the form of double wishbones with coil springs complemented by leaf springs on the rear. Stopping power comes from front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powered by a 2.8-liter Cummins ISF CRDi diesel engine, the Foton Thunder provides the necessary output to perform in almost every type of terrain. The 4x2 AT variant can produce 174 hp and 365 Nm of torque, while the 4x4 MT can yield 161 hp and 360 Nm of torque. Transmission differs for each variant with the 4x2’s engine attached to a 6-speed Automatic transmission and the 4x4 comes with a 5-speed Manual. The engine of the 4x2 sends power exclusively to the rear wheels while the 4x4 Ironman is a four-wheel drive.
The 2024 Foton Thunder is comparable to most pickup trucks in the market when it comes to having a one-ton cargo capacity. It is also on-par with most of its competitors when it comes to engine outputs with some exceptions.
When tech is concerned, however, the Thunder is a bit slim. It doesn’t have much in the way of driver-assistive features, and it doesn’t get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.
- Stylish looks
- Peppy engine
- Comfortable interior
- No Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Lack of driver-assistive safety tech.
Foton Thunder 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 EL MT | ₱1,080,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 EL AT | ₱1,150,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 MT | ₱1,180,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x4 MT | ₱1,298,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 AT | ₱1,300,000 |
| Foton Thunder 2.0 4x2 AT SPORTS | ₱1,385,000 |
Foton Thunder FAQs
1. What kind of engine is the Foton Thunder?
The Foton Thunder is equipped with a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine, which is capable of producing up to 174 horsepower and 365 Nm of torque.
2. What is the fuel consumption of the Foton Thunder?
The average fuel consumption of the Foton Thunder is around 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers or approximately 12.7 kilometers per liter.
3. How much does the Foton Thunder cost?
The price of a Foton Thunder can vary depending on the specific model, with prices ranging from around PHP 1,080,000 to PHP 1,385,000.
4. How many seater is the Foton Thunder?
The Foton Thunder is a midsize pickup truck and is typically designed to seat up to five passengers, with two seats in the front and a three-person bench seat in the back.
5. Is the Foton Thunder a good car?
The Foton Thunder is a midsize pickup truck that is known for being affordable, reliable, and capable of heavy-duty work and off-road driving.
₱ 1,180,000 - ₱ 1,350,000
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