Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive (BFDA), the joint venture of Daimler Truck Holding AG and Foton Motor, celebrated the first locally produced Mercedes-Benz trucks with an inauguration ceremony at its new state-of-the-art production site in Huairou, Beijing. The new facility covers an area of more than 400,000 square meters and provides a highly-flexible and scalable production line following the lean production principle.

The production portfolio of BFDA at the new plant in Huairou comprises two tractor product lines, both developed based on the flagship model, Mercedes-Benz Actros, from Daimler Truck’s global heavy-duty platform. Since the launch of the first generation of Actros in 1996, more than 1.5 million units of the model have been sold worldwide.

The localized Mercedes-Benz Actros from BFDA comes with the third-generation OM471 engine, as the benchmark choice for optimized transportation efficiency. The Mercedes-Benz Actros C model is the upgrading choice for customers with flexible logistics patterns. Both localized product lines are thoroughly engineered according to Mercedes-Benz Trucks standards to reliably serve the needs of customers in China. Local know-how, value contribution and supplier development, combined with Daimler Truck’s global Research & Development and manufacturing expertise ensure highest quality standards.

Parallel to the locally-produced Actros and Actros C tractor models, the import of Mercedes-Benz trucks to China continues with focus on chassis business for special applications such as firefighting, concrete pumps and even recreational vehicles. In addition, the existing Auman brand remains as a solid foundation for Daimler Truck’s joint venture BFDA.

Locally produced Mercedes-Benz Actros and Actros C models are expected to be ready for delivery to customers in China in November this year.

BFDA is a 50:50 joint venture between Daimler Truck and Foton Motor. The company produces and distributes Auman-branded heavy-duty trucks in China, and starts the local production and distribution of Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty trucks in 2022 at a dedicated Mercedes-Benz Trucks business unit under the joint venture roof.