Before 2001, Foton was relatively unknown as a manufacturer of light commercial vehicles. However, beginning in 2001, the company rose rapidly to become one of China’s top commercial vehicle manufacturers. One of the flagship products fueling this growth has been the Auman heavy-duty truck series, which has now surpassed one million units in sales. Here’s an overview of Auman's journey to success.

1. Auman H1: The Beginning

The debut of Auman’s first heavy-duty truck, the Auman H1, occurred on September 17, 2001. The H1 adopted the Beiben NG80 cab and featured Weichai engines, aiming to enter the competitive Chinese heavy-duty truck market. Dominated by models from FAW, Dongfeng, and Sinotruk, this market was challenging for new entrants. Although the Auman H1 sold only 1,862 units, it marked the beginning of Foton's heavy-duty truck dream.

2. Auman H2: A New Milestone

Just a year after the H1, Auman released its successor, the H2, produced in Foton’s new factory. The H2 introduced a rounded, modern design that stood out among the boxier trucks of the time. During a visit to the Auman factory, a national leader famously remarked that manufacturing trucks requires the expertise of graduate-level engineers, underscoring the significance of heavy-duty truck production. By 2003, the 10,000th Auman rolled off the production line, cementing the brand's presence in the market. By the time the Auman H2’s production concluded, 151,354 units had been sold, driving Foton into the ranks of China’s leading truck manufacturers.

3. Auman ETX: Diversifying and Expanding

The Auman ETX series has sold over 680,000 units to date, with new units continuing to roll off the assembly line. The ETX offered diverse engine choices, including Weichai, Yuchai, and Cummins, making it one of the most versatile trucks on the market. Known for its reliable quality and accessible pricing, the ETX quickly became popular. It was also prominent during events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 60th National Day parade, solidifying its image as a high-quality domestic truck and helping Auman establish a three-tiered product line with the ETX, GTL, and EST series.

4. Auman GTL: A New Partnership

In 2012, the Auman GTL made its debut, developed in partnership with Daimler AG. Notably, the GTL achieved a zero-fault performance in the challenging Taklamakan Rally. In the same year, Foton Daimler, a joint venture between Foton and Daimler, was established, marking a new phase in Auman’s development. By August 2012, the 550,000th Auman had been produced, with the GTL continuing to gain popularity. It was showcased internationally at the Hanover Motor Show and supported expeditions such as the Antarctic research mission and the 70th anniversary of the victory over fascism parade. Today, the GTL remains a staple product, with sales over 165,752 units and counting.

5. Auman EST: A Super Truck for the Future

The Auman EST, introduced in 2016, represents Foton Daimler’s ambition to integrate European truck technology and the American “SuperTruck” standards. Unveiled at the Hanover Motor Show in Germany, the EST combines Chinese and German engineering expertise with a design that takes on a more European aesthetic. With initial sales reaching 10,000 units, the EST’s future looks promising.

In just 23 years, the Auman brand has overcome tremendous challenges, achieving milestones that took other major truck manufacturers half a century to reach. Now a leader in China's commercial vehicle industry, Auman is a proud symbol of Beijing’s automotive sector, with its millionth heavy-duty truck marking a new era for Chinese trucks in the global market.