New Chinese brand Forthing, part of the Dongfeng Motor Corporation, will launch in Australia in June 2026. Forthing will launch locally with an electric and plug-in hybrid small SUV called the Taikon 5, which will offer one of the longest pure electric driving ranges of any PHEV locally.

The Taikon 5 will not be the brand’s only offering locally. The brand is yet to confirm which other models will be added to the line-up but there are a range of electric SUVs, people movers and even a sedan among its range for the Chinese market to choose from.

Shaun Garrard, who has previously worked for automakers in China and more recently specialised in emerging brands at the Ateco Group, has been announced as the National Manager of Forthing in Australia.

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“We see huge potential in the Forthing brand in this highly competitive market, with its comprehensive line-up of new-energy vehicles,” said Mr Garrard. “A lot of new automotive brands are making bold promises. With Forthing’s strong product portfolio … we are well positioned for long term success.”

The brand is also about to launch in New Zealand where the Taikon 5 will be available with two drivetrains that we expect will be mirrored in Australia: a 150kW/240Nm electric version with a 64.4kWh battery for 400km+ of range, or a range-extender plug-in hybrid with a 155kW 1.5-litre petrol engine, 120kW/240Nm electric motor and 31.9kWh battery for a WLTP-rated all-electric range of 170km and a total range of over 1000km.

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Two specifications are available in New Zealand: entry-level Luxury and Exclusive, with the Luxury equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, 10-way electric driver seat adjustment with heating, ventilation and massaging, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, a 14.6-inch touchscreen and active safety features like adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera. The upper-spec Exclusive adds a leather steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning, a panoramic sunroof, extra speakers and a wireless phone charger.

In New Zealand, a long seven-year/200,000km warranty will cover the Forthing range, with Australian warranty, equipment and technical details yet to be revealed.

More local details about the Forthing range, such as pricing, will be announced at its June 2026 launch.