Liberty Automobiles has announced it will sell Foton heavy, medium and light duty trucks, expanding its current offering from passenger vehicles.
The agreement with Beiqi Foton Motor Co. Ltd. (Foton), China, which manufactures vehicles in partnership with Daimler AG, will see it offer trucks, as well as special purpose vehicles.
“Backed by our automotive dealership expertise spanning 35 years, Liberty Automobiles has decided to expand its portfolio by entering the new segment of trucks and special-purpose vehicles,” said Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Al Qasimi, chairman of Liberty Investment Company, holding company of the Liberty Group.
“We are delighted to represent Foton trucks in the UAEand this move follows our analysis of the local truck market. Foton is a rising star among global automotive manufacturers, and this is endorsed by their partnership with Daimler AG.”
Foton has a wide product line up, which includes tractors, dumpers and platforms. The special-purpose vehicles include oil/water tankers, bulk cement trucks, lorry cranes, municipal use trucks, mining dumpers, concrete mixer trucks, concrete pump trucks and shipping container carriers.
Sheikh Khalid said that the agreement with Foton comes as the UAE shows signs of emerging from the downturn.
“Our diversification strategy is in tune with the positive market sentiment triggered by proactive measures taken by the country’s leadership. We are proud to bring to the UAE these advanced trucks and special-purpose vehicles catering to every commercial sector.”
For its part, Foton views the Middle East as a key target market.
“Our agreement with Liberty Automobiles Company is part of our strategic expansion plan at a global level. We believe the Middle East in general and the UAE in particular are high-growth markets where our wide range of competitively priced and technologically advanced trucks will find ready acceptance, said Cheng Wanzhi, general manager of GCC Operations, Beiqi Foton Motor Company.
“We believe we have found a perfect partner in Liberty Automobiles to drive our goal of taking the Foton brand to new markets.”
