Chinese brand to get busy in next 18 months

China's Forthing has just launched its first model in Australia and it plans to launch at least three more over the next 18 months.. The Taikon 5 electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) mid-size SUV is the brand's first model, but it will be following it up with a people mover.. It similarly will be offered with EV and REEV powertrains..

This Forthing people mover will likely be the Yacht/Xinghai V6.. It's unclear what the Chinese carmaker will call this model in Australia.. This forthcoming Forthing people mover will be displayed in prototype form at the Sydney Everything Electric show from September 18 to 20..

Forthing has confirmed it will launch a larger SUV in 2028.. It's unclear what this model will be yet as the Chinese carmaker globally doesn't offer any larger SUV than the mid-size Taikon 5.. Beyond this, another model of an undisclosed body type is bound for Australia..

Forthing Australia National Manager Shaun Garrard said the brand currently doesn't have any ute in the works for Down Under.. "There isn't currently a ute model in the pipeline for Forthing, but again, we're open to considering any product that Forthing wants to develop for Australia," said Garrard.. This seemingly rules out the Forthing P6 and P8 dual-cab utes that are offered in China..

Forthing is a Chinese carmaker that's part of China's giant Dongfeng Motor Group that globally has joint venture partnerships with Nissan, Honda and Stellantis.. It was introduced in China in 20001 but recently has been expanding its reach in export markets.. The brand is being imported by Ateco in Australia, which also distributes LDV, Renault and Ram vehicles, among others, locally..

The Forthing Taikon 5, which is currently in the midst of a trademark infringement issue regarding its name, is the brand's first vehicle in Australia and it's available in both EV and REEV trims.. Pricing starts at $36,990 drive-away.. This sees it compete directly with the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Leapmotor C10, Geely EX5 and Starray EM-i, as well as the Jaecoo J7..