What Makes the Cummins 2.8 ISF Engine So Special?

Earlier this month, we took a closer look at Foton’s first-ever SUV, the Toplander, in, of all places, the USA. Though their venue to globally launch the Toplander or Sauvana as they call it elsewhere seemed odd, it merely cements the Chinese brand’s strong partnership with American diesel specialist, Cummins. In fact, Foton is single-handedly the biggest customer of the 2.8 ISF light-duty diesel engine, accounting to about half of Cummins’s annual output (200,000 out of 400,000 units). But what makes the Cummins 2.8 ISF so special? Well, that’s what we found out next.
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Foton's Game Changer: Upclose with the Toplander

During one otherwise uninteresting afternoon, I received a rather peculiar phone call. “Sir, would you be interested in driving the Foton Toplander in Indiana?” Given the quality of our cellular service in Manila, I was almost sure I misheard the other person on the line. “Sure,” I said. When will you need me to submit my Chinese Visa requirements? “No sir. You won’t need it. This drive will be in Indiana, USA.” A long pause ensued. A Foton drive in the Midwestern US? They must be kidding, I thought. Lo-and-behold, two weeks later, I was actually on a 31-hour plane ride to Columbus, Indiana to see the Toplander.
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Foton Charges into SUV Market with Toplander

Foton is expanding its line-up with the unveil of not one, not two, but three new offerings at its annual Big Show which is happening now until tomorrow, October 4, 2015 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The biggest commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, Foton has quickly established itself as a formidable commercial vehicle brand in the Philippines despite being established just eight years ago. Headlining the charge is the Toplander.
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Foton to Compete in SUV Market with Toplander; Philippine Market Debut Set at Foton Big Show 2015

Foton is getting ready to field its first-ever Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in the Philippines with the market launch of the Toplander. Expected to be priced competitively, the Toplander is poised to steal sales away from the Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) and entry-level MPV and SUV market.
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