On August 31st, the second phase of the Foton AUV New Energy Bus Project, as the company has code-named it's development of a diesel-electric hybrid bus, has been unveiled by the Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd., the holding of which Foton AUV is a subsidiary.

Foton claims to be the first Chinese motor company who prepares to realize the serial production of hybrid-power vehicles in China. Foton has already provided fuel-cell buses featuring zero-emission and pollution to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Foton AUV expects that hybrid-powered buses will have a splendid future in China, also because more and more hybrid vehicle parts and components are produced locally, though the current diesel-electric hybrid vehicles are developed in co-operation

with the American manufacturer Eaton, which is delivering part of the driveline. The compact, lightweight AUV hybrid bus adopts the direct parallel design, delivering strong power output. The model can accelerate from standstill to 50 kilometers per hour in 22.5 seconds, 20% shorter than its diesel counterpart. It only consumes 28.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which means that the model's fuel efficiency is enhanced by 33%.

At the same time, the model features a battery life of up to eight years, ensuring its long-term operation. In addition, the AUV hybrid bus delivers less than 70dB in noise at 50 kilometers per hours, providing a comfortable experience to passengers.

In terms of the Foton's development strategy, the company expects to produce 1,500 hybrid-powered vehicles annually from 2012 onwards.

Foton AUV Bus was established in 1996 as a subsidiary of Beiqi Foton Co., Ltd. which is listed in the stock market. Headquartered in Beijing, she has several manufacturing bases in different provinces in China, with a workforce of 28,000 employees. She belongs to the biggest Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer, producing vehicles under the brand names AUV, AUMAN, AUMARK, OLLIN, SUP, SAGA, SURF, VIEW and FORLAND.