Mutare, Zimbabwe — The Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, has announced that Foton’s new Tunland V9 pickup will soon be assembled at Quest Motors Manufacturing (QMM) in Mutare — a development expected to create up to 500 local jobs by 2026.

During a tour of the QMM plant, Ambassador Zhou praised the initiative as a significant step toward skills development, value addition, and industrial growth in Zimbabwe.

“Thrilled to tour Quest Motors Manufacturing in Mutare! Incredibly inspired to learn that Foton’s new Tunland V9 pickup will soon be assembled here,” he said. “With up to 500 local jobs set to be created by 2026, this project will be a major boost for skills development, value addition, and Zimbabwe’s industrial growth. Customers from Zimbabwe and neighboring countries may soon enjoy high-quality, affordable Foton pickups proudly assembled right here in Mutare. Here’s to stronger partnerships and shared progress.”

In a statement on social media, Quest Motors Manufacturing confirmed the visit, noting that the Ambassador was impressed with the company’s local assembly vision and potential partnerships with Chinese automotive firms.

“Exciting morning yesterday at QMM! We hosted the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Zhou Ding, along with his team, and our partners from Foton Zimbabwe. We toured the plant, shared our vision for local vehicle assembly, and discussed future partnerships with Chinese companies. The Ambassador was thrilled about our plans and looks forward to joining our product launch!” the statement read.

With over 60 years of experience, Quest Motors remains one of Africa’s most trusted vehicle manufacturers, and was notably the first automotive assembly plant in Central Africa.

The collaboration between Foton and Quest Motors signals renewed confidence in Zimbabwe’s industrial capacity and highlights growing China–Zimbabwe cooperation in the manufacturing sector.

_{Photo Credit: Embassy of China in Zimbabwe / Quest Motors Manufacturing}