Alabama-based Foton America is stepping forth as the American-led U.S. arm of the 28,000-employee Chinese OEM Beiqi Foton Motor, and will debut in the U.S with a lightweight CNG bus pledged to cost no more than North American diesels.

Chassis by Beiqi will be fitted with Cummins Westport ISL G engines and Allison B400 transmissions. Fab Industries is to install fuel systems including eight roof-mounted CNG cylinders from a supplier to be determined.

"Great Opportunities Ahead"

Foton hopes to unveil two buses at AF&V 2008 in Las Vegas in May (where it's become a leading convention sponsor), and rapidly secure U.S. FMVSS approvals prior to undergoing FTA Altoona testing.

Foton America's arrival is not wholly unexpected, as company president Perry Blackerby and business development VP Jared Schnader launched a Beiqi CNG bus in Thailand late last year.

"These are exciting times, with great opportunities ahead," Schnader says.

His firm is already eyeing the truck market, and hybrid drivetrains too.