Foton goes green with Blue (Energy)

Fast-rising China-based truck specialist Foton is bringing in its latest line of state-of-the-art common-rail direct-injection turbo-diesel engines that are cleaner, more powerful, yet more fuel-efficient engines adhering to the more stringent Euro 4 emission standard.
Bannered under its proprietary Blue Energy brand, the new engines are specifically engineered and built for Foton by world-renowned Indiana, U.S.-based diesel engine manufacturer Cummins. Founded in 1919, the pioneering manufacturer of heavy-duty truck engines signed an agreement with Foton Motor in 2006 to form the Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Co., Ltd. (BFCEC). Its highly advanced plant in China makes more than 400,000 engines a year.
Blue Energy
“The company has always been committed to providing exceptional product lines through scientific and technological innovation,” said United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (Foton’s Philippine distributor and manufacturer) president Rommel Sytin. “Blue Energy is a continued expression of this promise—a product of earnest R&D that serves up a host of benefits such as power, durability, reliability, efficiency, and clean operation.”

The new Foton Cummins ISF 2.8 and 3.8 Euro 4 engines are designed to deliver lower intake temperature, prevent abnormalities in combustion, and operate more quietly—while providing improved low-end torque pulling power. The enhanced performance is complemented with more frugal fuel consumption. As for emissions, the new engine produces lower diesel particulate matter while boasting even better longevity.
Engine highlights
Five new elements define the new power plant: a more efficient turbocharger; an excellent exhaust-gas recirculation system to yield lower emission and promote more thorough burning of fuel; a new, computer-governed common-rail direct-injection system that results in optimized air/fuel mix; a diesel oxidizing catalyst and particle oxidizing catalyst which basically convert carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and particulates to carbon dioxide and water; and a higher-performance turbo intercooler.

Featured vehicles
Foton vehicles equipped with Blue Energy engines will have telltale decals to identify them. These include three variants of the popular Tornado light-duty truck: the Tornado 2.4C, Tornado 4.4C, Tornado 4.8C and the newly launched Tornado M4.2C. In the passenger vehicle segment, the Toplander A/T SUV, Traveller and Toano vans, and the all-new Thunder A/T pickup are now all powered by Blue Energy engines.

New light-duty truck
Along with its new-generation engines, Foton also unveiled its latest light-duty truck, the Tornado M4.2C. Priced at P1.19 million (for the cab/chassis), the workhorse is equipped with the aforementioned ISF 3.8 Foton Cummins Blue Energy Euro 4 engine. The turbocharged (with intercooler) 14-foot truck musters 500Nm and 156ps, and features a computer-controlled Bosch common-rail direct-injection (CRDi) system. For cleaner operation, the engine boasts exhaust gas recirculation technology, plus DOC (diesel oxidizing catalyst) and POC (particle oxidizing catalyst) for enhanced fuel efficiency and lower emission.

Speaking to the audience composed of dealer principals, partners, executives, employees, and members of the media, UAAGI Executive Vice President Anna Parado described the new Tornado variant as the most advanced in its class—boasting safety technologies and features such as WABCO braking technology (Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and a reverse sensor and camera. A redesigned panoramic windshield provides increased visibility, and an additional passenger-side mirror enhances blind-spot coverage. The height of the truck’s headlights can be adjusted while three-point ELR seatbelts come standard.
Within the spacious and surprisingly comfortable cabin is an advanced LED touchscreen at the heart of the vehicle’s infotainment system. This accommodates the imaging when reversing, and makes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music possible. The system is also GPS-ready, and features an MP5 and SD card slot. Steering wheel buttons for cruise control, entertainment, and radio and call functions are also available. A powerful air-conditioning system is a standard feature. Generous dual overhead compartments are perfect receptacles for delivery documents and other valuables. The center seat backrest can be collapsed to reveal cup holders and an additional storage compartment. Additionally, the steering column can be tilt-adjusted, and the seats are ergonomically designed—with the driver’s seat is adjustable in four ways, while the passenger seat can be reclined.

The truck has a high-strength steel chassis that enables higher payload capacity and heightened stability—particularly when loaded. A rivetless upper-frame chassis means easier fitting of various cargo body configuration, and a corrosion-free alloy fuel tank and air cylinder ensures many years of worry-free use.
“The Philippines now joins Singapore and Vietnam as the first countries to implement Euro 4 as emissions standard—well ahead of other ASEAN neighbors like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. That’s something we can be proud of,” concluded Sytin. The company also highlights its after-sales service, underscored by a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.