The landscape of the Australasian automotive market is shifting as Chinese manufacturers accelerate their expansion into right-hand drive territories. Forthing, a brand under the Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor umbrella, has officially announced its debut in New Zealand for April, a move that signals a strategic push toward Australia.
The Flagship Arrival: The Forthing Taikon
Leading the brand’s entry is the Taikon, a mid-size coupe-style SUV designed to compete in the highly contested segment occupied by stalwarts like the Toyota RAV4. Positioned as a value-driven alternative, the Taikon will be offered in two distinct powertrain configurations:
1. Full Electric (EV)
- Motor: 150kW electric motor.
- Battery: 64.4kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP).
- Range: Estimated between 350km and 400km (WLTP cycle).
- Chassis: Utilizes a torsion beam rear suspension.
2. Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
- Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.
- Battery: 31.94kWh LFP battery.
- EV Range: Up to 183km on electric power alone (WLTP).
- Total Range: A claimed combined range of up to 1,150km.
- Chassis: Features a more sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension.
Technology and Interior Features
Forthing aims to attract tech-savvy buyers by including premium digital features as standard equipment. The Taikon lineup will include:
– A large 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
– An 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster.
– A comprehensive active safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
The Strategic Context: Why This Matters
Forthing’s expansion is part of a much larger trend of Chinese automotive giants—backed by massive parent companies like Dongfeng Motor Group —moving aggressively into Oceania. By focusing on “new energy vehicles” (EVs and Hybrids), these brands are bypassing traditional internal combustion dominance to capture the growing demand for electrified transport.
The brand’s strategy appears to be twofold:
1. Value Positioning: Offering high-spec technology and modern designs at a price point intended to undercut established Japanese and Korean rivals.
2. Regional Sequencing: Using New Zealand as a launchpad to test the market before a full-scale Australian rollout.
Looking Toward Australia
While the New Zealand launch is set for April 17, the brand is already making moves in Australia. Type approval documents suggest the Taikon may be rebranded as the “Friday” for the Australian market, following recent trademark filings.
While the specific Australian distributor and pricing remain unconfirmed, the presence of both electric and extended-range versions in government filings indicates a serious commitment to the Australian market.
Forthing’s entry represents the next wave of Chinese automotive expansion, focusing on high-tech, electrified SUVs designed to disrupt the traditional dominance of established brands in right-hand drive markets.
In summary, Forthing is leveraging its heritage and Dongfeng’s resources to challenge the status quo in New Zealand and Australia, offering electrified SUVs that prioritize high-end technology at a competitive price.
