Chinese Trucks, Century-Old Dealer: Hartwigs Puts FAW and Foton on Regional Roads
Century-old dealer Hartwigs reports early traction for FAW and Foton trucks in Canberra, southern NSW and northern Victoria, led by the 660 hp FAW J7. Chinese Trucks, Century-Old Dealer: Hartwigs Puts FAW and Foton on Regional Roads published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.
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The fifth-generation dealership reports early traction for the FAW J7 and Foton light trucks in Canberra, southern NSW and northern Victoria
Chinese truck brands have been growing in Australia, but in the regions a new badge still needs one thing more than a good price: a dealer operators trust. FAW and Foton have found one in Hartwigs, a family dealership founded in 1923 and now in its fifth generation.
Since taking on the two brands, Hartwigs has run FAW J7 demonstrators through the Canberra region and southern NSW, handed over its first Foton trucks and put stock on display at its Queanbeyan and Shepparton branches. Early feedback on pulling power, cab comfort and running costs has been strong, and with customers looking for cost advantages, enquiries are growing.
“It’s early days for both the Foton and FAW brands, but the response we have had from our customers within these regions has been genuinely encouraging,” said Dealer Principal Charlie Hartwig.
FAW J7: 660 hp for the long run
Hartwigs sells FAW from Queanbeyan, with sales, service and parts covering Canberra, regional NSW, the NSW South Coast and regional Victoria. The FAW J7 pairs a 660 hp, 15.6-litre engine with a ZF 12-speed automated manual transmission. FAW Trucks Australia is a factory-owned operation with national parts distribution, and more models are due later this year.
Foton: the light-duty value play
Foton is available at both branches. Built around an “EASY MOVE” promise, with a Cummins engine and a well-finished cab, it appeals to metro and regional operators focused on total cost of ownership.
Service and parts teams at both sites have received factory-supported training, and genuine parts are held in stock, a key point for operators weighing a new brand.
“We’ve never chased badges for the sake of it,” Hartwig said. “We back the brands we’re confident standing behind.” FAW and Foton join Hyundai, Western Star, MAN and Dennis Eagle in the Hartwigs line-up.
Chinese Trucks, Century-Old Dealer: Hartwigs Puts FAW and Foton on Regional Roads published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.
