China’s Foton Motor Company has ended the unusual split between ute and light truck distribution for its brands in New Zealand – shifting its ute product to Ateco Automotive.
The move follows the same change in Australia, and comes into effect on May 1.
Until now the single Foton ute model, the Tunlund was distributed by the Giltrap-Spencer owned New World Motors.
Ateco says it will move quickly to expand its Foton dealer network in line with sales expectations, and to improve back up and service nationally.
Ateco Asian brands spokesperson Daniel Cotterill says existing dealers will be kept for the short term, “and then the whole thing will be re-evaluated.”
“We will be seeking to expand our dealer network as quickly as we can,” he says.
It is likely utes and light trucks will share the same dealers.
“Where it makes sense to do so, where it makes business sense, we will do that, “ Cotterill notes. “As we do in Australia.”
Ateco boss Laurie Malatios will continue to lead the operation, and Cotterill could not confirm if any staff would transfer from the New World operation.
“I know Foton was quite complimentary of the job New World Motors have done.”
