Foton PH to reveal Tunland V7, V9 full-size diesel hybrid pickups at MIAS 2024

Just before the holidays last year, Foton Motor Philippines Inc (FMPI) teased a pair of pickup trucks. The automaker claims that both vehicles will serve as the “first hybrid diesel vehicle in the Philippines”.

Based on the teaser images, the mystery vehicles could likely be the Mars 7 and Mars 9 full-size pickup trucks. Fast forward to April 2024, FMPI has officially announced what they will be launching at this year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

Set to make their Philippine debut very soon are the Tunland V7 & V9 full-size pickups. The two pickup trucks are essentially the renamed Mars 7 & Mars 9 and they will be available in 4x2 and 4x4 variants. Official details about the two vehicles are not yet available at this time. However, Foton did say that both pickups will have a diesel-hybrid powertrain.

While exact specifications have yet to be revealed, we managed to get insider information earlier this year about what could power the Tunland V7 & V9. Based on regulatory approval, both trucks will be powered by a turbo-diesel engine that displaces 1968cc which translates to 2.0 liters. After cross-checking with what the PRC gets, the Tunland V7 & V9 will likely get a 2.0-liter Aucan turbo-diesel engine.

In China, the pickup trucks produce 163 PS, which is (almost) similar to what the Thunder makes. Torque, however, is rated at 450 Nm which is 70 Nm more than what the non-hybrid Aucan turbo-diesel engine makes. Power is then shifted to an 8-speed automatic gearbox by ZF.

Size-wise, the Tunland V7 will likely measure 5797mm long, 2090mm wide, 1910mm tall, and have a generous 3505mm wheelbase. On the other hand, the Tunland V9 could measure 5617mm long, 2000mm wide, 2090mm tall, and a 3355mm wheelbase.

Foton will officially reveal the Tunland V7 & V9 pickups this week and there will be test drives available for the diesel-hybrid trucks.