Investment Casting Lost Wax Casting
Investment casting, which is also known lost wax casting or precision casting, refers to the formation of ceramic around the wax patterns to create a multi or single part mold to receive molten metal. This process utilizes an expendable injection molded wax pattern process to achieve complex forms with exceptional surface qualities. To create a mold, a wax pattern, or cluster of patterns, is dipped into ceramic material several times to build a thick shell. Die-wax process is then followed by the shell dry process. The wax-less ceramic shell is then produced. Molten metal is then poured into the ceramic shell cavities or cluster, and once solid and cooled, the ceramic shell is broken off to reveal the final cast metal object. Investment castings can achieve exceptional accuracy for both small and large castings in a wide range of materials.
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In 2008, Foton Aoling, China's largest self-owned brand light truck production base, achieved a milestone by producing 300,000 light trucks annually in Zhucheng, Shandong. This facility is not only the largest in China but also one of the most advanced in the world. The production line at this new base is fully aligned with those of globally renowned truck manufacturers, ensuring that Aoling’s technical equipment and product quality match domestic industry standards and reach international levels.
Industry experts suggest that Foton Aoling has already surpassed Japanese light trucks in certain aspects. With the integration of Foton Cummins engines, these trucks are set to be exported to developed countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Europe. As a result, Aoling is positioning itself as a global light truck manufacturer.
The 300,000-unit production base was officially completed in February 2008, marking a major step forward for Foton Motor. The event was attended by officials from various government departments in Shandong Province, Weifang City, and Zhucheng City. During the ceremony, a red Aoling light truck was driven off the production line, symbolizing that the plant had reached a total production and sales volume of 1.5 million units. This new facility will solidify Aoling's position as the largest self-owned brand light truck production base in China.
Foton Motor’s Zhucheng plant is one of its most important manufacturing sites, equipped with advanced technology, including leading welding and assembly lines, electrophoretic coating systems, and automated vehicle inspection lines. Covering an area of 870,000 square meters, the plant employs over 7,000 people. Foton Motor invests more than 3.5% of its revenue into R&D, with a specific project on Aoling light trucks receiving 370 million yuan in funding.
Aoling's design team adopted Toyota TPS production methods and integrated Isuzu technology, helping the brand overcome high-end truck technical barriers. Collaborating with Mercedes-Benz on the Isuzu platform in Japan, Aoling incorporated European engineering features, using turbocharged and intercooled diesel engines to enhance performance and fuel efficiency. After completing the 300,000-unit production base, Aoling now boasts the best production line in China, reaching European standards.
With increased production capacity, Aoling is expected to gain significant cost and quality advantages, strengthening its core competitiveness. This will further elevate its position in the industry.
Before Foton Aoling entered the market, no Chinese automaker had dominated all segments of the light truck industry—high, medium, and low-end. While Foton Motor was known as the "light truck king," its success was largely based on economical models. However, in the high-end segment, it lacked strong competition. Industry analysts noted that Foton Motor was more of a "king of economical light trucks."
This changed with the launch of Foton Aoling. Prior to its entry, the high-end light truck market was dominated by Jiangling and Qingling. In 2002, Austrian Bell had minimal market share. By 2008, however, Aoling's sales exceeded 10,000 units, capturing nearly 20% of the market. Through targeted innovation, Aoling upgraded the Isuzu platform using European technology, making its trucks more dynamic, fuel-efficient, and reliable.
In 2007, Aoling achieved record monthly sales of over 3,000 units. The introduction of Euro III compliant models further boosted its market presence. Aoling managed to surpass its competitors and claim a dominant position in the high-end segment. It now controls half of the domestic economy and remains unbeatable in the lower-end market.
The completion of the 300,000-unit production base laid a solid foundation for Foton Motor's "Light Truck Dynasty."
While dominating the domestic market, Foton Motor has been expanding globally. Its products are exported to 48 countries, with over 30,000 units shipped in 2007. The company has established CKD factories in Pakistan, Ukraine, Vietnam, and is negotiating in Russia, Indonesia, Iran, and the Philippines.
In 2008, the joint venture between Foton Motor and Cummins Inc. was finalized. Beijing Foton Cummins Engine Co., Ltd. produces 2.8 and 3.8-liter light diesel engines meeting Euro IV and V emission standards. This partnership strengthens Foton's position in developed markets and accelerates its globalization strategy.
Soon, Foton Aoling will be equipped with Cummins engines, offering improved power, torque, reliability, and lower maintenance costs. Experts believe that these engines will help Aoling dominate the domestic market and boost its overseas competitiveness. With this powerful engine, Aoling is set to enter the Japanese market and other developed regions like South Korea and Europe.
Foton Motor, fully prepared for global expansion, is moving closer to its goal of becoming a worldwide automotive leader.
October 10, 2025