By Manny N. de los Reyes

THE RAINS poured down, and so did a shower of great deals and discounts at FOTON Motor Philippines’ (FMPI) Big AtTRUCKtion held last Sept. 12-13, at the Megatent Events Venue in Libis, Quezon City.

FOTON’s Biggest Truck Sale of the Year’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was headed by FMPI Vice-Chairman Kenneth Sytin, Anna Dominique Sytin, Nicole Sytin, Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark De Leon, and FOTON International Group Representative Eric Zhang.

“For this event, FOTON will be showcasing the segment which our brand has been known for — trucks. But we do not want this to be merely a vehicle exhibit where guests would just pass by and see how big wheelers can get. Instead, we longed to show a grand atTRUCKtion — a sight where function can both be seen and experienced, where doors to bigger opportunities can be found, and held within reach,” said FMPI Vice-Chairman Kenneth Sytin.

All vehicles exhibited in the two-day expo are powered by the brand’s latest technology advancement, the Blue Energy Euro 4 generation. FOTON’s Blue Energy vehicles are powered by a Cummins ISF turbocharged intercooled diesel engines using an electronic high-pressure Bosch common rail direct fuel injection (CRDi) system and electronic gas recirculation exhaust system with a diesel oxidation catalyst for highly improved emissions.

This technology is applied not only to its passenger vehicles, but also to its light- to heavy-duty trucks. For its outdoor display, FOTON showcased the Tornado light-duty trucks with special bodies, its Wing Van lineup, Dump Truck models, and Crane Truck body configurations.

“Today, we announce that we are now ready to further up the ante in light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks with game-changing contenders — the M Series, including the Tornado M and EST-M trucks,” exclaimed FMPI Vice-President for Sales and Marketing Levy Santos at the event. “FOTON Philippines understands the importance of being able to move a large number of people reliably, safely as well as with care for the environment. We are proud to be one of the anchors of this program, as we see the role of the F-Jeepney as a workhorse and multi-functional partner for the growing number of PUV operators in the country,” added Mr. Santos.

Armed with the goal to reach out to those new opportunity seekers in the provincial areas, Mr. Santos announced that FOTON will be also holding a nationwide regional Big AtTRUCKtion tour in North Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Noted Mr. Santos, “Our collective hard work, through our fleet sales, financing deals, product development, and growing number of trusting dealer networks have become major factors why we continue to be part of the top. We have maintained our market share, and will consistently do our best to beat our records.”

“Your All-Day Logistics Partner” and “Your Cold Chain Partner” badges were also emphasized through the Tornado M5.2C F-Van and M4.2C F-Van displays, respectively. These trucks were also showcased inside the tent along with the Gratour series composed of the 8-seater MiniVan and MT MPV body configuration suitable for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Apart from the trucks, FOTON’s best-selling vans also took part at the Big AtTRUCKtion. First up was the Toano executive van that became popular for its luxurious build, homey interiors, rotating captain’s chairs, and premium entertainment perfect for VIP shuttle services in airport and hotels.

Representing the Traveller line was its XL variant, which boasts of its extended legroom, bubble top, and seating capacity of 19. From a commuter van that could carry up to 15 people, the TransVan took it a notch higher with a new model, the 16-seater TransVan HR, with augmented headroom similar to the Traveller. There was also the TransVan HR ambulance, customized as a first emergency assistance responder.

Despite the wet weather conditions during the event, guests still took the chance to test-drive the trucks and experience its riding comfort and functions. Attached to light-, medium- and heavy-duty cabs, the bodies of these trucks are classified as dropside, F-Van, dump truck and tractor head.

In his speech during the opening ceremony, Transport Usec. De Leon extended his gratitude to FOTON for continuously supporting the government’s PUV modernization program. “Salamat sa FOTON,” he repeatedly said pertaining to the brand’s participation in building innovative public utility vehicles for the development of the Philippine transportation system through the launch of the F-Jeepney, that currently holds two variants: the F24 and F29.

To avail exclusive zero DP offers, low monthly deals, truck test drives and cash discounts up to P300,000, FOTON invites all business owners, transport operators, logistics providers and families to watch out for the following schedules for the FOTON’s Big AtTRUCKtion regional tours: North Luzon leg will be held on Sept. 26-27 at San Fernando Town Plaza in La Union; Mindanao leg on Oct. 9-10 at Kauswagan Highway in Cagayan De Oro, and Visayas leg on Oct. 18-19 at SM City Cebu Event Center.

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