Three new Forthings headed Down Under

FORTHING – a new Australian market entrant from China – has revealed its product roadmap for Australia, which includes the arrival of three new models over the next 18 months following the launch of its debut model according to its national manager Shaun Garrard.

Speaking with Australian media at the local launch of the Forthing Electric and Range Extender Hybrid, Mr Garrard revealed that an MPV (which will be displayed at the upcoming Everything Electric show in Sydney), a “larger” SUV, and a third model of an undisclosed segment are heading Down Under.

“I want to share with you a glimpse of what else you can expect to come from Forthing in the near future – we plan to launch at least three new models over the next 18 months in Australia,” he said.

“The next model that’s coming to Australia will be a people mover that will bring the choice of pure electric and plug-in hybrid power to the segment at attainable price points. The vehicle will be on display at the Everything Electric Sydney show.

“Note that it will be a prototype, and we haven’t settled completely on the seating arrangements just yet, but it will be good to get a glimpse of that vehicle at the event.

“We’re also planning a larger SUV for release in 2028.

“In addition to that, we’re planning another exciting model, but we’re keeping that under wraps for the moment.”

While speaking with GoAuto, Mr Garrard said Forthing saw a gap in the Australian market for an affordable electrified MPV.

“(The MPV model) is, we believe, able to fill a gap in the market for a PHEV or pure electric, affordable MPV that, currently, today is not on offer from any other brands,” he stated.

“There are different perceptions of what’s affordable and what’s not affordable.

“We have a specific idea in mind for where this vehicle needs to be positioned, and we believe that the upcoming MPV from Forthing will be one of the most affordable MPVs in Australia built on a new energy vehicle platform. So that’s BEV and PHEV.”

Looking at the brand’s wider portfolio, it seems likely that the incoming MPV could be the Forthing V9 (pictured), offered in China with a plug-in hybrid powertrain – comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 34.9kWh lithium iron phosphate battery – and seating for seven, configured in a 2+2+3 arrangement.

The Forthing V9 is also available in camper guise.

Should the V9 land down under, it would form part of a growing cohort of electrified MPVs from Chinese manufacturers hitting Australian shores, a group that also includes the Zeekr 009, the Denza D9, and the GAC M8 PHEV.

However, the V9 is not offered with a battery electric powertrain. However, within the wider Dongfeng portfolio – of which Forthing is a subsidiary – you will find an MPV model offered in both PHEV and BEV guises, specifically the Voyah Dreamer 9.

Forthing also sells the Xinghai V6 – which could also be a candidate for an Australian market release as either the MPV model or the “larger SUV” – with seating for six and a choice of either a 45.5kWh or a 60.5kWh battery, good for CLTC driving ranges of 400km and 510km respectively.

There’s no information so far on the final undisclosed model, although a potential option for the latter could be the S7 battery electric sedan which it sells in its home market.

However, official details on Forthing’s incoming products for Australia are yet to be confirmed.