On June 24, a fleet of 20 BAIC FOTON buses officially departed for Libya, marking the successful entry of BAIC FOTON’s bus business into this blank market in North Africa, achieving a historic breakthrough from “0 to 1”. This delivery is not only the first purchase of BAIC FOTON buses by Libyan dealers, but also the first bus product introduced by BAIC FOTON to the country, laying a key foundation for the subsequent deepening of the African market layout.
The buses being delivered have been specially optimized for the challenging operational environments common across Africa. Each vehicle is equipped with a Cummins ISF3.8 engine and a ZF manual transmission, paired with a reinforced chassis system that includes a 3-ton front axle and 5.5-ton rear axle. The suspension system features leaf springs and stabilizer bars to ensure reliability and stability under high-load conditions.
In terms of safety, the buses are outfitted with a WABCO ABS system, exhaust brake, and front/rear drum brakes, achieving a braking distance of ≤9 meters at 30 km/h under full load. Passenger comfort is also a priority, the buses feature roof-mounted independent air conditioning, a 7-inch reversing camera, an MP3 audio system, and 25+1 leatherette seats—offering a practical and comfortable solution for long-distance travel in high-temperature environments.
This entry into the Libyan market marks another important milestone in BAIC FOTON’s two-decade journey across Africa. The company has already established a strong presence in key countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Its network now spans over 220 sales and service outlets, 12 KD assembly plants, 43 parts warehouses, and 8 training centers—forming a robust localized support system.Building on this foundation, BAIC FOTON has launched a comprehensive “Africa Strategy,” anchored by a series of three “Three-Year Action Plans.” These initiatives aim to systematically enhance BAIC FOTON’s full value chain capabilities—including products, network, services, parts, finance, and talent. Special focus will be placed on driving growth in core segments such as heavy-duty trucks, pickup trucks, and buses, helping African nations develop sustainable transportation systems.
From its breakthrough in Libya to deeper local integration across the continent, BAIC FOTON is leveraging technological collaboration and ecosystem-driven development to bring Chinese manufacturing into Africa’s growth narrative. As the Africa Strategy continues to roll out, BAIC FOTON is shifting from being a simple exporter to becoming a co-builder of local ecosystems. Through this fully localized value chain model, BAIC FOTON aims to contribute lasting momentum to Africa’s path toward industrialization.