Beiqi Foton aims to become world's largest heavy-duty truck producer

Chinese automaker Beiqi Foton plans to increase its annual production capacity of heavy-duty truck to 160,000 units by 2010, the largest of its kind in the world. Beiqi Foton expects to accelerate its global expansion by implementing five key projects, including the construction of the Auman GTL (gas-to-liquid) production base, a multi-purpose vehicle plant, a gasoline engine plant, a heavy machinery plant and a global business center. The company started an Auman GTL heavy-duty truck technology upgrade project in Beijing’s suburban district of Huairou on January 14, with a total investment of more than 2.6 billion yuan (US$380.85 million). The Auman GTL heavy-duty truck is a high-end model aimed for export to Europe and the U.S. It is fitted with a Cummins heavy-duty engine and meets Euro V emissions standard. (January 15, 2010)