Chinese car brand makes a comeback with F-150 replica ute

New commercial brand Foton returns to Australia with its tributes to American RAM and Ford pick-ups.

Chinese utes that copy the looks of America’s best-selling models will hit Australian roads in 2025.

Foton, a commercial vehicle brand, will return to Australian showrooms next year with a pair of vehicles inspired by the RAM 1500 and Ford F-150.

The Foton Tunland V9 looks eerily similar to the RAM 1500, right down to the shape of its grille, bonnet and headlights.

Details on the vehicles are sparse, but Tunland V7 and V9 models overseas are powered by 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines that make 120kW and 450Nm.

The price is unconfirmed, but based on overseas models, it’s likely to be an affordable ute that will likely compete with the BYD Shark.

Chinese brand, Foton, is making a comeback to Australian showrooms, with the Tunland single and dual cab expected in showrooms next year. Picture: Supplied

Foton claims both vehicles have a towing capacity of 3500kg which matches Ford’s Ranger and the Toyota HiLux.

Externally, the V7 looks similar to a Ford F-150 and the V9 leans more towards the style of a Ram 1500.

Inside, the utes are expected to feature a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6 inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Foton Tunland V7 and Ford F-150.

Foton may eventually roll out electric and hybrid models down the track.

It originally entered the Australian market in 2012 with the original Tunland ute but departed again in 2017.

Now Inchcape, the Australian distributor of Peugeot and Subaru, is importing Foton utes.

Inchcape Australasia managing director distribution Blair Read said the company was “excited” to introduce Foton vehicles to Australia, starting with a commercial truck called the Aumark S.

“We look forward to then expanding the Foton range in 2025 with the launch of the Tunland V7 and V9 Ute, as we continue to grow Foton’s dependable and value-driven mobility solutions that help enhance the operations of Australian businesses and support the adventurous lifestyles of Australian consumers,” he said.

The Tunland will go head-to-head with another emerging ute in the JAC T9, a four-wheel-drive ute that recently went on sale for about $46,000 drive-away.

Originally published as Chinese car brand makes a comeback with F-150 replica ute