Another Chinese brand edges closer to Australian launch following New Zealand debut of hybrid, electric SUV

Yet another new Chinese brand is set to enter the New Zealand market next month, with Forthing confirming it will launch over the ditch in April with a mid-size SUV range – and an Australian launch is on the cards.

Headlining the brand's Kiwi debut is the Forthing Taikon, a coupe-style SUV that will be offered with both plug-in hybrid and full electric powertrains, positioned as a value-focused alternative in an increasingly crowded segment.

The Taikon will be available in two trim levels – Luxury and Exclusive – across both powertrains, with pricing and full specifications still to be announced.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.

The EV version uses a 150kW electric motor and a 64.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, claimed to deliver between 350km and 400km of driving range on the WLTP cycle.

Meanwhile, the Super Hybrid pairs a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 31.94kWh LFP battery, and can run in EV-only mode for up to 183km on the WLTP cycle.

Forthing claims a total driving range of up to 1150km, assuming regular charging.

The mid-size SUV is roughly the size of the Toyota RAV4, measuring 4600mm long, 1860mm wide and 1680mm tall on a 2715mm wheelbase. The Taikon Hybrid features multi-link independent rear suspension, while the EV sticks with a less sophisticated torsion beam rear.

Standard equipment across the New Zealand lineup includes a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system and an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a suite of active safety and driver assist technology including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Forthing, which is part of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Group, says the move marks the beginning of its push into right-hand drive markets.

Forthing NZ general sales manager Todd Groves says the brand is targeting buyers seeking value without sacrificing features.

“Our role is to bring New Zealanders competitive new choices that make sense for their lifestyle,” he said.

“The Forthing Taikon, with its compelling blend of design and outstanding value, does exactly that… delivering premium design, pioneering technology, and exceptional value to create serious excitement in the market.”

Based in Liuzhou in China’s Guangxi province, the automaker traces its roots back to 1954 and is now shifting its focus toward new energy vehicles as part of a broader global expansion strategy.

Forthing says the Taikon range will be backed by a nationwide dealer network in New Zealand, though details of locations and aftersales support are yet to be confirmed.

The company has yet to reveal pricing for New Zealand, but has signalled it will position the Taikon as a competitively positioned offering aimed at undercutting established rivals.

Full specifications, pricing, and dealership details are expected closer to the April 17 on-sale date, when the first vehicles will also be available for immediate delivery.

Forthing's confirmation of a New Zealand launch comes shortly after the Dongfeng brand debuted across the ditch.

It also comes after Forthing received type approval in Australia last October for the Taikon, which is expected to wear the Friday nameplate. Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co filed to trademark the Friday name last November.

Both electric and extended-range electric versions of the Taikon/Friday appear in Australian Government type approval documents.

It’s still unclear who will be responsible for distributing the brand in Australia.