On October 27, on the eve of the BAIC FOTON Africa Partners Conference, the inauguration and first training session of the BAIC FOTON Africa Regional Training Center were held in South Africa. BAIC FOTON CEO Lu Zhenghua, BAIC FOTON International President Wu Zongtian and other leaders attended the event with local partners, witnessing the center’s inauguration and supporting the development of the regional service system in Africa.
As competition in the global commercial vehicle market grows increasingly intense, brand globalization requires not only product and manufacturing strength but also a professional service system spanning the entire vehicle lifecycle. With BAIC FOTON’s growing product portfolio in Africa, different models and operating scenarios have created a wide range of demands for sales, maintenance and technical support. Cultivating local professionals and translating product technology into frontline service capability have become key to strengthening regional customer service and support. BAIC FOTON’s overseas talent development has evolved from isolated training activities into a systematic initiative closely integrated with its comprehensive internationalization strategy. Since the beginning of 2026, BAIC FOTON has conducted nearly 100 specialized capability-building training sessions across key global markets. From hands-on disassembly of heavy-duty truck engines in Argentina and fault diagnosis for all-electric buses in Türkiye to Uruguay’s flexible model of five rotating groups completing intensive training in a single day, the objective has remained consistent: turning headquarters’ technical standards into the ability of local frontline personnel to rapidly diagnose and repair vehicles under real-world operating conditions.
Lu Zhenghua, CEO of BAIC FOTON, explained the significance of the training center from the perspective of full value chain operations. He said service training is important support for BAIC FOTON to improve its Africa regional operating system and deepen localized operations. The training center should serve as a platform to deeply connect technical standards, service experience and local team capabilities, and improve coordination efficiency among product supply, after-sales support and talent development.
Wang Zhuozhong, VP of BAIC FOTON International, introduced the center’s background and development plan, highlighting the role of professional talent development in improving regional service capability. Local partner representatives discussed local service cooperation, BAIC FOTON’s support for service providers and future cooperation prospects.
At the ceremony, BAIC FOTON announced the official inauguration and operation of the Africa Regional Training Center, with training beginning simultaneously. Centered on South Africa and extending across the African market, the center will build a multi-level training system to share technical standards and service experience with local teams. BAIC FOTON will also strengthen dealers’ service management capabilities in spare parts stocking, maintenance processes and response efficiency, driving the regional service system toward standardization and professionalism.
After the ceremony, Lu Zhenghua and his delegation toured the center and delivered opening remarks, learning about its teaching facilities and training environment. The center covers 900 square meters, with 450 square meters each for theoretical teaching and practical training. A 140-square-meter large classroom can accommodate 80 people for group instruction, while a 35-square-meter smaller classroom can accommodate 24 trainees, alongside supporting office and rest spaces. The practical training area can meet the needs of BAIC FOTON’s entire product lineup and is divided into five zones: complete vehicles, engines, transmissions, electrical and electronic systems, and new energy vehicles. Complementing the theoretical teaching area, it supports skills training across different vehicle models and job roles, providing professional support for regional sales and service talent development.
During the event, Lu Zhenghua and others held discussions with local dealers and customers on regional business. African regional dealer representatives said the training center will support local professional talent development and service capability improvement, and expressed expectations for deeper technical exchange and business cooperation.
From local manufacturing in South Africa to regional service training, BAIC FOTON continues to improve its localized operating system in Africa. Leveraging manufacturing, spare parts supply and professional training resources, BAIC FOTON is promoting deep integration of product supply, after-sales support and local talent development, further enhancing comprehensive service capabilities across the entire vehicle lifecycle. Going forward, BAIC FOTON will continue to deepen its comprehensive internationalization strategy, work with African partners to improve the full value chain operating system, and promote high-quality development of its African business with more solid localization capabilities.
