Commercial vehicle specialist Foton took centerstage at the recently concluded Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), held last week at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, with the unveiling of the all-new Thunder 2.0 pickup truck. The unveiling was part of a double celebration as the brand marked its 15th year of operations in the country, not just as a distributor, but also as a manufacturer.
Foton is the first Chinese car brand to enter the Top 10 automotive companies in the country (in terms of sales). While the previous Thunder models took a backseat to its more popular competition, the all-new and bigger Thunder 2.0 boasts a bolder and more rugged design whose compelling front end is quite evocative of the flagship pickup truck of its competitors.
“The all-new Thunder 2.0 exhibits nothing less than a durable unit to drive you at the convenience of modern car-like features combined with an efficient powertrain and masculine sporty style. We are proud to say that with help of Filipino skills, craftsmanship, and competence this new durable vehicle has taken shape,” says United Asia Automotive, Inc. (UAAGI)/Foton Motor Philippines Inc. President Erroll Dueñas.
Like all other Foton models, the new Thunder is proudly assembled by Filipinos at the Foton plant in Clark, Pampanga. The new truck is powered by a strong yet fuel-efficient 3rd-generation 2.0L CRDi diesel engine engineered and manufactured by Foton Motors. It has a power output of 160hp at 4,000 rpm and torque rating of 390Nm and has a 1-ton payload capacity.
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 comes back on the centerstage at the country’s biggest motoring show, the Manila International Auto Show.){kind=link}