FOTON SAYS: Foton South Africa has announced the launch of its new 15-seater minibus taxi, the Inkunzi, which will be available for under R200 000.
The Foton Inkunzi, meaning Bull in Zulu, is produced at the Beiqi Foton Motor Company in China, which was founded in 1996 and currently employs around 26 000 people.
Foton is China’s largest commercial vehicle maker and the second largest in the world and is now set to make an impact on the South African market with some exciting products in months ahead.
The first of which is the Inkunzi, a genuine long wheelbase 15-seater minibus that balances style with the practicality that is so important in the taxi sector of public transport. It meets the very latest standards that require an escape hatch to be fitted in the roof and it has undergone a full complement of tests, including rollover tests, to ensure it provides passengers with the highest level of safety.
“The minibus taxi industry is going through some major and very positive changes and here Foton is set to provide a new standard in comfortable, safe and affordable transport solutions that meet the demands of the taxi recapitalisation process,” said Brett Soso, managing director of Foton SA, a division of Amalgamated Automobile Distributors.
Inside, the Inkunzi is spacious with plenty of head and legroom for all 14 passengers and an easy opening tailgate for luggage. Up front the driver also has plenty of space incorporating a modern and well laid out dashboard where all the controls fall easily to hand.
The Inkunzi is powered by a robust multi-point electronically controlled 2.2-litre petrol engine, which is coupled to a 5-speed transmission, and delivers 76kW of power at 4 600 rpm and 193Nm of torque at 2 600 rpm.
As the Inkunzi is intended a commuter bus, the suspension and seats was specifically designed with this purpose in mind. Front suspension is provided by an independent wishbone system with torsion and stabiliser bars, while a rigid axle with leaf springs does duty in the rear.
“As the taxi industry is revitalised to provide convenient, safe and efficient transport for 2010 and beyond, Foton is set to be a key player in moving the nation,” said Soso.
“We are committed to provide customers with a good value proposition, not just in terms of the initial purchase, but also in their overall ownership experience, including after sales support,” said Soso.
Amalgamated Automobile Distributors is co-owned by leading motor retailers, McCarthy Motor Holdings and Imperial Holdings.
Foton Inkunzi Pricing
Foton Inkunzi Taxi LWB R199 900 including VAT
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