The year 2020 might go down in infamy, but there are still reasons to celebrate for some. Foton Motor Philippines Inc. or FMPI, for example. The company is marking its 15th anniversary, and what better way to do so than being included among the country’s Top 10 best-selling auto brands.
This little truck earned a big achievement for Foton Philippines
Foton’s achievement also makes it the only Chinese brand on the list. Despite the business slowdown brought about by the pandemic, the automaker managed to sell 2,456 units from January to December 2020, according to records by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).
Topping its bestseller list is the Gratour line of compact trucks, accounting for 15.88 percent of Foton’s total sales. Mobility requirements for relief and public service operations in different parts of the country proved to be a viable market for the Gratour series. The flexibility of the range allowed Foton to survive slow second quarter sales to bounce back in the third quarter, as demand resumed.
The Gratour series offers a range of models for various purposes
For light commercial vehicles (LCVs), the Foton TransVan emerged as the king of the hill, contributing 19.5 percent to sales. The people carrier’s large dimensions and powerful 2.8L turbodiesel engine make it an ideal choice for both large households, corporate fleets, and public transport use.
Meanwhile, Foton’s Tornado range chalked up 44.22 percent of sales for the light-duty truck category. Available in a range of configurations such as refrigerated van, dropside, crane, and multi-purpose vehicle, there’s a Tornado model for customers’ needs. This is the third consecutive year that the Foton Tornado has ranked third among the country’s best-selling light-duty trucks.
Foton's Tornado line is among the best-selling light trucks for the third straight year
Foton continues to update its services to better serve its customers. It recently launched a mobile app, along with a user-friendly website and digital showroom, making it more convenient for buyers to browse all Foton models on offer anytime and at the safety of their own homes. The company promises that more campaigns, programs, and after-sales services are in the pipeline.
“We are honored to be among the Top 10 best-selling automotive brands in the country. We are indebted to our loyal customers and partners that supported us since the beginning,” says FMPI President Rommel Sytin. “Rest assured that we will always stay committed to bring the best mobility quality that will empower your business.”
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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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