Words: Richard Edwards
Published 15 July 2026
Foton New Zealand has formally launched its Tunland V Series ute range to media, with dealer stock now arriving and customer deliveries underway.
The launch returns the Ebbett Group-owned distributor to the light commercial vehicle market for the first time since right-hand drive production of the previous generation Tunland ended in 2019.
The range is split across two variants. The V7 runs rear leaf springs and is aimed at workhorse and fleet buyers, while the V9 uses a coil-sprung multi-link rear end and targets buyers considering the ute as an SUV alternative.
Pricing opens at $48,990 plus on-road costs for the V7-C 4×2, with the V7-C 4×4 at $51,990 and the flagship V9-S 4×4 at $57,990. All variants run a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance, producing 120kW and 450Nm through a ZF eight-speed automatic. The range is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty with seven years of roadside assistance.
At 5617mm long, the Tunland sits between the traditional one-tonne double cab class and full-size American pickups, and the styling has drawn comparisons with the Ram 1500. Foton New Zealand chief executive Roger Jory says buyers should judge the vehicle on more than its looks.
“Drive the vehicle, learn what the vehicle is about, the DNA, the design and product development that’s gone into it. The vehicle’s an original,” he says.
He points to the distinct front-end treatments across the range as part of the styling strategy.
“They’ve put a different mask or grille on the V7 and a different one on the V9. I think that just broadens the appeal of the product and helps differentiate the positioning of the product in the marketplace,” he says.
“Based on the initial feedback that we’ve had from Fieldays and from dealers and prospects who have seen the vehicle, it’s well received.”
He says the AuCan engine, co-developed by Foton and UK engineering consultancy Ricardo, was designed for the brand’s light duty truck range and is also offered in six-tonne and 8.5-tonne applications.
Two channels
Foton New Zealand will retail the Tunland through a separate channel to its truck business, an approach Jory says has been in place since the company took over distribution.
“We see it as two separate channels. That’s not to say that there could be some crossover, but ultimately it’s two separate focuses. That’s how the business was set up in 2017, with a national sales manager for commercial vehicles and also one for truck,” he says.
“There’s a lot of interest, and I’d have to say demand, with existing Foton truck owners in this product, but they’ll be sourcing that product through a different channel predominantly.”
The dealer network covers the main centres, supported by 2S service and parts dealers in secondary areas. Some of the original Tunland dealers have signed on for the new model, and Jory says both the distributor and factory have continued to support the existing Tunland parc since the previous model was withdrawn.
Crowded segment
The Tunland arrives in a ute market with close to a dozen competitors, with more Chinese entrants on the way. Jory says the deciding factor will be aftersales.
“A critical element for any new product launched in the market is aftersales support and backup. That goes with basic things like parts availability, tech support for dealers, and support for servicing customer vehicles,” he says.
“Really, at the end of the day, it’s the consumer that’s going to decide whether they’ll sustain or whether they’ll win. From our point of view, we welcome the competition. We’re not afraid of it.”
He declined to share volume expectations, and says supply is currently in good shape, though Foton’s export growth could change that.
“Foton is on a massive increase in volume, and a lot of that is export. At this stage we don’t think there are any supply issues, but it would not surprise me, looking at the growth they’ve achieved so far this year, that there could be constraints around supply.”
Building on trucks
The ute sits alongside a truck operation Jory describes as the core of the business. Foton New Zealand claims the top-selling electric truck in the country and has recently entered the heavy duty segment with a Cummins X13-powered tractor unit.
Ebbett purchased the Foton distribution business from Ateco in late 2016 and began selling in January 2017, initially with the previous generation Tunland, the Sauvana SUV, the View van and the Aumark light truck range. The current Aumark S launched in 2019, and the truck line-up has since expanded into medium duty 12 and 14-tonne product.
The Foton brand has been present in New Zealand since 2014.
