Jan. 16, 2007 (China Knowledge) – Beiqi Foton Motor and DaimlerChrysler AG Monday have signed an agreement on technological and sales cooperation.

A statement issued by Beiqi Foton said that DaimlerChrysler has agreed to offer technological support to Beiqi Foton for the research and development of light and heavy trucks, as well as to help the export of Beiqi Foton’s products through DaimlerChrysler’s sales network. The Beijing-based carmaker also said that it is targeting to become a major sales agent for DaimlerChrysler's MB trucks in China.

The agreement is pending approval from the authorities.

Beiqi Foton manufactures passenger cars and trucks under the brand names of Auman, Aoling, View and Forland. In addition to cars and trucks, Beiqi Foton also manufactures farm machinery, motors and accessories with its facilities located in Beijing, Shandong and Hunan. 

With a booming car market, many foreign carmakers like DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Toyota and GM have all reported a jump in China sales during 2006, when China overtook Japan as the world’s second-largest car market. Statistics from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) show that passenger sales surged 37% to 5.1 million units in 2006. Total vehicle sales, which include trucks and buses, climbed 25% to 7.22 million units in 2006.