Dongfeng Mage EV expands Chinese brand's global reach

Chinese automotive giant Dongfeng has started production of the Mage EV in Egypt, marking what is claimed to be the country’s first locally manufactured electric car and the latest move in the state-owned car-maker’s international expansion.

While the Mage EV has not been confirmed for Australia, the Dongfeng empire already has a presence here through Forthing, which launched locally in June 2026 with the Taikon 5 mid-size SUV under Ateco Group distribution.

The Mage EV is being produced at state-owned El Nasr Automotive’s modernised manufacturing facility through a partnership involving Dongfeng, local importer SN Automotive and the Safi Group.

The move is part of Egypt’s plan to establish itself as an automotive manufacturing and export hub for the Middle East and Africa, with the country targeting annual production of up to 100,000 electric vehicles by 2032.

For Australians, however, the more pertinent part of the story is Dongfeng’s rapidly expanding international footprint.

Australian buyers can already purchase vehicles from Dongfeng-owned Forthing, which launched here under Ateco Group distribution in June 2026. Its first model, the Toyota RAV4-rivalling Taikon 5, is available in battery-electric and range-extender forms, priced from $36,990 drive-away.

That followed earlier interest from Sydney-based IGZEV in bringing other Dongfeng products to Australia, including the Forthing Friday and compact Nammi Box EV.

Back in Egypt, the Mage EV is a mid-size electric SUV measuring 4670mm long, 1900mm wide and 1610mm high, with a 2780mm wheelbase and 360-litre boot.

Its front-mounted e-motor produces 120kW and 240Nm, providing a claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.7sec.

Power comes from a 50.8-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery that provides a claimed 445km range under China’s CLTC testing regime.

Dongfeng says a DC fast-charge from 30 to 80 per cent takes 28 minutes.

The cabin features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented 10.4-inch central infotainment screen.

The Dongfeng Mage EV is due to go on sale in Egypt in the first quarter of 2027, with local pricing yet to be announced.

An Australian launch remains unconfirmed, but Dongfeng now has a much stronger foothold here than it did when Australian distribution opportunities were first explored.

Forthing initially announced Australian launch plans in 2025 before the Dongfeng-backed brand ultimately arrived through Ateco Group in June 2026.

That makes future Dongfeng products worth watching for Australian buyers, particularly as the Chinese automotive brand broadens both its EV manufacturing operations overseas and the reach of its various brands.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au