Foton Tunland V7 and V9 utes locked in for Australia 

The 2025 Foton Tunland V 4x4 pick-up ute range is on track to launch Down Under in the first half of 2025, following the Chinese brand’s local relaunch later this year. 

As we’ve previously reported, commercial vehicle brand Foton will re-enter the Australian market via Inchcape, the local importer of Subaru, Peugeot and soon another Chinese car brand Deepal. 

The last time Foton utes were sold in Australia was 2019, but now the utes are much bigger and are expected to undercut similar-sized rivals on price, such as the F-150 and Toyota Tundra.

Inchcape says the Foton Tunland V7 and V9 utes will arrive Aussie showrooms by June 2025, to sit alongside the new Aumark S light-duty commercial truck range, which will be on sale by Christmas 2024. 

Local details remain few and far between, however the Chinese brand’s Ford F-150 and RAM 1500-rivalling pick-ups are set to offer “an intelligent cockpit, plush seating, and luxurious finishes that prioritise occupant’s comfort on every journey” according to a statement issued by the brand. 

Both the Foton Tunland V7 and V9 (variously badged G9 and Big General in some markets) are understood to share the same dimensions but have different exterior designs - one is more like an F-150, the other has RAM 1500 visual influences.

Despite offering two different lengths and wheelbase options overseas, Inchcape representatives told carsales the Foton Tunland V7 and V9 utes are both full-size pick-up trucks, suggesting both will get the 3505mm wheelbase and 5797mm long bodies and lock horns with the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and soon the Toyota Tundra. 

However, they are expected to be significantly more affordable given they come from the factory in right-hand drive, meaning they don't have to be converted from left- to right-hand drive like the US-sourced trucks. 

The big full-size US pick-up trucks or utes typically start around $110,000 and rise beyond $150,000. Expect the Foton Tunland twins to retail for significantly less than $100,000.

There is a slightly smaller mid-size version of the Foton Tunland V7 and V9 utes available overseas, with a shorter 3355mm wheelbase and 5517mm long body but it's not clear if Inchcape will import both sizes. 

By comparison, a Ford Ranger measures slightly less than 5400mm bumper to bumper and has a 3270mm wheelbase. 

A fully electric, Toyota HiLux-sized dual-cab ute was originally slated to be sold in Oz but at this stage it’s unclear what will power the inbound V7 and V9 utes.  

The Chinese manufacturer says its focus is on “new energy and internal combustion engine utes and vans, and internal combustion engine trucks,” so it's highly likely hybrid and fully electric versions are on the cards. 

However, expect to see the Tunland V7 offered with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48-volt mild-hybrid system, mated to an eight-speed automatic and good for around 120kW and 450Nm, as is the case with South African versions. 

Foton says the new utes will be able to tow a braked trailer weighing up to 3500kg. 

In China where the Tunland is badged 'Mars' and diesel is a dirty word, there are petrol engine options worth 284kW on offer. 

Inchcape represenatives wouldn't be drawn on whether the new utes would get diesel, petrol or electrified powertrains.  

Foton claims the Tunland V7 and V9 can tow up to 3500kg braked. 

“We are excited to introduce Foton’s innovative commercial vehicles to Australians, beginning with the Aumark S,” said Inchcape Australasia managing director distribution Blair Read. 

“We look forward to then expanding the Foton range in 2025 with the launch of the Tunland V7 and V9 Ute, as we continue to grow Foton’s dependable and value-driven mobility solutions that help enhance the operations of Australian businesses and support the adventurous lifestyles of Australian consumers.” 

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