Forthing previews its second Australian model

Chinese budget brand Forthing has previewed the people-mover it is expected to launch in Australia in 2027.

The left-hand-drive TK7 – a name not confirmed for Australia – was on display at the recent Everything Electric exhibition in Sydney.

The left-hand-drive vehicle was presented as a concept, but its appearance points towards the model that could fill the people-mover slot in Forthing’s Australian expansion.

Forthing, which has only just arrived in Australia, is a passenger vehicle brand of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, part of the giant Dongfeng Group.

It is being distributed here by Ateco Automotive, which also handles Chinese brand LDV, as well as Renault, RAM and Maserati.

Forthing has committed to adding three more new models in Australia within 18 months.

They will join its debut model, the EV and PHEV SUV formerly known as the Taikon 5.

That name is now the subject of a legal dispute with Porsche and Volkswagen in New Zealand.

While Forthing has confirmed an electric and plug-in hybrid people-mover will arrive in the first half of 2027, it has yet to formally identify the production model destined for local showrooms or announce pricing, specifications or seating arrangements.

However, Forthing has already signalled an emphasis on affordability for its forthcoming people-mover, with national manager Shaun Garrard previously promising “attainable pricing”.

The TK7 is related to the Xinghai V6 (a model name, not a reference to a petrol engine) sold in China, giving Australian buyers an indication of the size and technology potentially on offer.

The Chinese-market electric V6 has a single front-mounted motor producing 135kW and 260Nm, paired with either a 45.5kWh or 60.5kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.

Claimed driving ranges are 400km and 510km respectively under China’s generous CLTC testing cycle.

Chinese versions offer a six-seat cabin, with equipment including an 8.8-inch digital instrument display and a 14.6-inch or 15.6-inch central touchscreen, depending on variant.

Garrard has confirmed Forthing’s new models will offer electric or range-extender hybrid power, indicating both options for the forthcoming people-mover. Australian battery capacities, outputs and driving ranges remain unconfirmed.

The people-mover will give Forthing an entry into the growing electrified people-mover market, competing against models such as the BYD M9 and GAC M8, subject to its final price and positioning.

The people-mover is part of a broader expansion outlined by Garrard at Forthing’s recent Australian media launch.

“We plan to launch at least three new models over the next 18 months. A people mover, a large SUV and one other model that we are keeping under wraps for now. Plus there may be a few other surprises,” he said.

Garrard said the brand would concentrate on establishing its Australian business over the longer term.

“Our plan is sustainable growth and to be here for the long term. So we are not going to make bold promises about sales volumes today. Or outline an infinite number of new models.

“But please know Forthing is serious about Australia and we are serious about Forthing.”

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