A new automotive brand backed by one of China’s largest manufacturers will enter the Australian market in June 2026, adding further momentum to the rapid expansion of electrified vehicle options available to fleet buyers.
Forthing, part of the Dongfeng Motor Group conglomerate, will be introduced locally by Ateco Group, Australasia’s largest independent vehicle distributor with more than four decades of experience launching emerging and established automotive brands.
The brand will debut with a mid-size SUV offering both battery electric and range-extending plug-in hybrid technology, reflecting a growing trend among manufacturers to provide flexible powertrain options for organisations developing fleet decarbonisation strategies.
A New Entrant Focused on Electrified Powertrains
Forthing will initially launch with a single model—the Taikon 5 mid-size SUV—available in two configurations: a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV).
The REEV variant is designed to address one of the most common barriers to EV adoption in operational fleets—range confidence—by combining electric driving capability with a petrol-powered generator to extend total travel distance.
According to WLTP testing, the Taikon REEV delivers:
Up to 170 km of electric-only driving range
Up to 1,050 km combined driving range using petrol and electric power
This positions the vehicle among the longest-range plug-in hybrid or range-extended options expected to be available in the Australian market.
For Fleet Managers responsible for regional operations, emergency response, or high-utilisation duty cycles, this type of technology may offer a practical transition pathway where full battery electric vehicles are not yet operationally viable.
Experienced Distribution Partner to Support Market Entry
The Australian launch will be led by Ateco Group, a distributor with a long track record of introducing new brands into the local market. That experience is likely to be a critical factor for fleet buyers assessing supplier reliability, parts availability, and long-term support—areas where emerging brands are often scrutinised.
Shaun Garrard has been appointed National Manager of Forthing in Australia. Garrard has previously worked with automotive manufacturers in China and has recently focused on emerging brands within the Ateco Group portfolio.
“We see huge potential in the Forthing brand in this highly competitive market, with its comprehensive line-up of new-energy vehicles,” said Garrard.
“Forthing has a range of compelling future models that have been confirmed for Australia, and we will have more information to share closer to showroom arrivals.
“Despite the recent influx of new brands, Forthing has the credentials and commitment to earn its place in this market.
“A lot of new automotive brands are making bold promises. With Forthing’s strong product portfolio – and the Ateco Group’s experience in introducing new brands to this market – we are well positioned for long term success.”
Implications for Fleet Procurement and Decarbonisation Planning
The arrival of another electrified brand reinforces a broader shift in the Australian market: fleet buyers are no longer limited to a small number of electric vehicle options. Instead, the challenge is increasingly about evaluating new technologies within structured procurement and asset management frameworks.
For organisations building fleet emissions reduction plans, the key implications include:
1. More technology pathways to reduce emissions
Range-extended and plug-in hybrid vehicles provide an intermediate step between traditional internal combustion engines and full battery electric vehicles, particularly for fleets operating in regional or infrastructure-constrained environments.
2. Supplier capability will remain a critical evaluation factor
Beyond vehicle specifications, Fleet Managers will need to assess dealer networks, service support, parts supply, and long-term commitment to the Australian market—core elements of Best Value Analysis and whole-of-life cost planning.
3. Fleet management maturity will influence adoption success
Organisations with clear fleet policies, utilisation data, and replacement planning frameworks will be better positioned to evaluate new entrants like Forthing within a structured decision-making process rather than as isolated vehicle purchases.
A Growing Competitive Landscape
Forthing’s entry into Australia comes at a time when the number of new automotive brands is expanding rapidly, particularly in the electrified vehicle segment. While increased competition is driving innovation and price pressure, it also requires more disciplined procurement and risk management from fleet buyers.
Pricing, specifications, and details of additional models expected to join the Forthing range will be announced closer to the brand’s official showroom launch in June 2026.
For Fleet Managers and Sustainability Managers, the key takeaway is not simply the arrival of another vehicle brand, but the continued diversification of technology options available to support practical and staged fleet decarbonisation.
