Another Chinese carmaker with an interesting name could be planning to enter the New Zealand market, with at least one test car already being evaluated on Auckland roads.
Stuff recently spotted a fully electric Forthing SUV, the mid-size T5 Friday. The car, registered and in right-hand drive, was seen parked at Auto Distributors New Zealand (ADNZ).
The affordable electric SUV market is becoming rather crowded. Is there enough room for another new contender?
Matthew Hansen
ADNZ recently added a different Chinese carmaker, Leapmotor, to its roster of brands sold in New Zealand. Its debut model, the C10 EV debuted in January. The plug-in hybrid C10 Ultra REEV recently arrived in the country, with the 6-seater B10 next in the schedule.
An ADNZ representative confirmed that the group is currently evaluating the Forthing Friday for potential future sale in our market, adding that the group hasn’t decided yet whether the marque will be added or not.
Forthing is owned by DongFeng Motor Group. Formerly known as DongFeng Fengxing, the brand was launched in 2001, eventually inheriting a considerable rebrand in 2020.
The Forthing T5 Friday is badged as such in Europe, where it has been on sale since late 2024. In its home market, it is known as the Forthing T5 Evo. In Europe, the model comes with an 85.9kWh battery with a WLTP-rated range of 510km.
Forthing is a sub-brand of Dongfeng, a carmaker that celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
Matthew Hansen
The same battery is offered in China, as well as a smaller 57.8kWh battery. Both battery options come paired to a 150kW/340Nm electric motor sourced from BYD, with that power sent to the front wheels. Pure petrol and hybrid versions are also offered in other markets.
Forthing joins a growing list of electric vehicles from China that are known to be getting tested in New Zealand, but have yet to be formally confirmed for our market — following the likes of Skyworth, Xpeng, and Zeekr.
