Forthing is preparing to tackle our people mover market with a new model promising both electric and plug-in hybrid power at an attainable price. The newcomer will be Forthing’s next model after the Taikon 5 medium SUV, which launched the brand in Australia, and it’s due to make its first local public appearance at the Everything Electric show in Sydney from September 18.

Forthing believes there’s room beneath the increasingly expensive field of electrified Chinese people movers already on sale in Australia. “Right now, there have been a lot of introductions with new electric MPVs from other Chinese brands,” said the brand’s national manager, Sean Garrard.

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“But none of them are focusing on bringing affordable, accessible MPVs to Australia. That’s what we want to be the first one trying to do.”

Forthing hasn’t announced Australian pricing for the model, although the brand’s positioning with its first SUV gives a strong hint of just how it will be priced. Its debut Taikon 5 medium SUV is priced from $36,990 driveaway in range-extender hybrid form, while the fully electric version starts at $38,990 driveaway.

Final Australian specifications are yet to be confirmed, including one particularly important detail for people mover buyers: how many people it will actually carry.

“The vehicle will be on display at the Everything Electric show, so that’ll be our first Australian debut,” Garrard said. “Note that it will be a prototype and we haven’t settled completely on the seating arrangements just yet.”

The model will enter a rapidly expanding market for Chinese-made people movers. The sector has traditionally been dominated locally by models such as the Kia Carnival, but more recently, Chinese manufacturers have introduced a wave of more premium electric and plug-in hybrid MPVs.

Forthing sees an opportunity to take the opposite approach by making electrification more attainable. The new MPV will also form part of a much broader expansion for the new brand as it has confirmed plans to introduce at least three additional models to Australia over the next 18 months, while a larger SUV is also earmarked for release in 2028.

Another yet-to-be-revealed model is also under consideration for the local market. More details about Forthing’s new people mover – including its name, Australian specifications, pricing and launch timing – are expected closer to its arrival.