Forthing to debut three new models in Australia
Forthing, the Chinese automaker entering Australia, unveiled a roadmap that promises three new models within the next 18 months. The announcement came from the brand’s national manager, Shaun Garrard, during a launch event for the company’s electric and hybrid offerings.
New models on the horizon
Garrard told reporters the lineup will include a people-mover MPV, a larger SUV slated for 2028, and a third vehicle that remains undisclosed. “We plan to launch at least three new models over the next 18 months in Australia,” he said.
The MPV will be shown as a prototype at the Everything Electric show in Sydney. While seating configurations are not final, the vehicle will offer both pure-electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains at price points the brand deems attainable.
The larger SUV is scheduled for a later release, with details still under development. The third model is being kept under wraps, with no further information provided at the time.
Targeting a market gap
Speaking with GoAuto, Garrard said Forthing identified a shortage of affordable electrified MPVs in the Australian market. “(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 explained.
He added that perceptions of affordability vary, but the upcoming vehicle is positioned to be among the most budget-friendly options built on a new-energy platform, available as both BEV and PHEV.
The model seats seven in a 2+2+3 layout and is also sold as a camper.
Should the V9 arrive, it would join a growing cohort of Chinese electrified MPVs already present in Australia, such as the Zeekr 009, Denza D9 and GAC M8 PHEV. This clustering hints at a broader shift toward affordable multi-purpose vehicles from China.
While the V9 lacks a pure-electric version, the wider Dongfeng group, Forthing’s parent, offers the Voyah Dreamer 9, which is available in both PHEV and BEV forms.
Another candidate for the Australian rollout is the Xinghai V6, which can seat six and comes with either a 45.5kWh or 60.5kWh battery. The larger pack promises a CLTC range of 400km or 510km, respectively.
Speculation surrounds the unnamed third model; one possibility is the S7 battery-electric sedan sold in China, though no confirmation exists.
Official specifications for these upcoming vehicles have not yet been released, and details remain subject to change.
