Foton Motor has established an overseas headquarters in the Qingdao Area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, further expanding its international business presence.

Sailing Times (Qingdao) International Trade Co Ltd, established by Foton Motor's Forland business unit in the Qingdao FTZ in September 2025, officially began operations on Aug 31.

The new headquarters is set to handle Forland's overseas and intelligent-driving businesses. The project is expected to create about 200 jobs and generate around 1 billion yuan ($140 million) in revenue in 2026. By 2028, its workforce is projected to reach 600, with revenue exceeding 4 billion yuan.

Forland operates across research and development, manufacturing, sales and services, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles. Its products are sold in more than 50 countries and regions through a global network of more than 400 sales outlets and 200 service outlets.

At the launch event, Foton Motor also signed an agreement with Ghana-based Zonda Tec Ghana Ltd for an overseas order of 800 vehicles.

The Qingdao FTZ is home to Shandong province's only designated port for vehicle imports and exports, as well as more than 400 automobile import and export companies. The establishment of Foton Motor's overseas headquarters is expected to further strengthen the area's automotive trade and support companies seeking greater access to global markets.