Modern fleets demand more than basic utility

Arifur Rahman
Business Manager, ACI Motors Ltd

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“Buyers are moving beyond initial price and basic utility. They increasingly want fuel efficiency, reliability, safety, technology and dependable support.”

Improved highways, expanding last-mile delivery and rising operating costs are changing what Bangladeshi businesses expect from commercial vehicles. Arifur Rahman, Business Manager at ACI Motors Ltd, discusses Foton’s approach to fleet economics, safety, after-sales support and smarter mobility in an interview with The Daily Star.

The Daily Star (TDS): How have better roads and bridges changed fleet-owner expectations?

Arifur Rahman (AR): Shorter travel times allow more trips, better vehicle utilisation and stronger returns over a vehicle’s lifecycle. Buyers are consequently moving beyond initial price and basic utility. They increasingly want fuel efficiency, reliability, safety, technology and dependable support. The wider commercial vehicle market grew by around 20 percent from 2024 to 2025, and Foton has grown with that demand.

TDS: What helped ACI establish Foton in Bangladesh’s commercial vehicle market?

AR: We introduced Foton in 2018, focusing on technology-led products, after-sales service, genuine parts and a growing nationwide network. Our vehicles combine ergonomic cabins, digital dashboards, ABS and power steering, making driving easier in congested cities and on rough rural roads. We also introduced air brakes in the light-commercial segment to improve braking efficiency and vehicle control. Our next step is to extend the portfolio into higher-capacity applications.

TDS: How does Foton help operators control fuel, maintenance and downtime costs?

AR: Our turbocharged, intercooled engines are designed to improve fuel efficiency, while accessible maintenance and genuine parts help control workshop costs. The support network now includes 75 service points, trained technicians, preventive maintenance and faster turnaround. For fleet owners, these elements work together: fuel economy lowers running costs, while prompt service keeps a revenue-earning vehicle on the road.

TDS: How is the TM series addressing last-mile delivery demand?

AR: The Foton 1-tonne TM and 1.2-tonne TM Plus are designed for e-commerce, FMCG and SME distribution. Practical payloads, fuel efficiency, power steering, high ground clearance and flexible body configurations allow them to operate across congested urban areas and rural roads. The objective is to give businesses a versatile vehicle that can complete more deliveries with less disruption.

TDS: What is ACI Motors’ longer-term vision for commercial transport?

AR: We want to become a reliable goods-transport solutions provider, with greater emphasis on local value addition, connected logistics, telematics and real-time fleet tracking. Electric mobility is also part of this direction. Wider adoption will depend on continued government support and a conducive policy environment, but the goal is smarter, greener and more sustainable commercial transport.