Handal BCM launches Foton V7 & V9 ‘Monster Trucks’

Quick look:

• Handal BCM introduces two pick-up trucks that literally stand out from others in the market with their larger size.
• Two versions are available, both with 2-litre turbodiesel 4×4 drivetrains but with different rear suspension layouts.

The pick-up truck segment in Malaysia gets another two brand new entrants from Foton, a 30-year old subsidiary in the BAIC Group and one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in China.

Distributed by Handal BCM Sdn Bhd (which is related to DC Handal, the company associated with EV charging stations), the models are the V7 and V9 from Foton’s Tunland range.

To be assembled locally
The trucks have been in the global market for a few years and sold in the Middle East, South America and the Philippines, with Malaysia being the fifth major export market. The initial batch is imported CBU (completely built-up) from China but Handal BCM has confirmed that local assembly will start this year at a newly acquired plant in Johor.

Priced at RM123,800 for the V7 and RM143,800 for the V9, the trucks are aimed more at the lifestyle segment, which is also the same segment that other trucks are aimed at nowadays. But they literally stand out by being much larger, leading Handal BCM to present them as ‘Monster Trucks’.

The dimensions of both models, for example, are 5617 mm long with a wheelbase of 3355 mm. That’s about 300 mm longer than the Toyota Hilux, with the wheelbase being 270 mm longer. They’re also taller at 1955 mm – 140 mm over the Hilux. They’re even larger than the Ranger Raptor, the muscular high-performance truck from Ford.

MHEV 4×4 drivetrain
Both trucks are powered by a 163 ps/450 Nm 2-litre turbodiesel engine with a 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system that has a motor giving a boost of 9 kW/50 Nm at the lower end. The 8-speed automatic transmission comes from ZF while a Borg-Warner transfer case provides High and Low ranges. 6 pre-programmed drive modes optimise grip and stability over different terrain.ac

According to Edward Lim, Handal BCM’s Head of Retail, the fuel consumption can be up to 12.3 kms/litre. He has personally achieved up to 950 kms on a full tank of 76 litres of biodiesel during highway drives from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.

Different suspensions
Apart from differences in the front lights, the main technical difference between the V7 and V9 is the suspension, effectively defines their intended use.

The V7 has a multi-leafspring rear suspension, while the V9 is fitted with coil springs and a rear multilink suspension system. The V7 is engineered for tougher demands as a workhorse, while the V9 offers better SUV-like comfort and can be a dual-role vehicle for business and personal transport.

The first 888 buyers will have a RM2,000 rebate on the prices (applicable to both models) as well as free scheduled maintenance in the first 2 years after registration. Confident of the durability and quality, the vehicles come with a 7-year/200,000-km warranty.

About Handal BCM
Handal BCM may be new to many people but it is part of the BCM (Berjaya China Motor) Group which has been in business since the late 1990s. The company has been handling brands such as Foton, Kaicene (formerly known as Chana) and Golden Dragon. The Foton  View window van has been a popular model in the light commercial segment for many years.

Besides the main showroom and service centre is located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Handal BCM also has a network of authorised dealers around the country with more than 40 service dealers to provide aftersales support.