Forthing Expands Thailand Presence With Local Vehicle Assembly Plant Plans

Thailand is set to play a key role in the regional growth strategy of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's passenger vehicle brand Forthing. Reported on June 17, 2026, the company announced plans to begin operating a vehicle assembly plant in the country around mid-2027. The facility will manufacture right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles intended for both the domestic market and export destinations. Details regarding the plant’s investment value, location, and production capacity are still under evaluation and will be disclosed at a later stage.

Forthing Accelerates Market Expansion in Thailand

After entering the Thai market in early 2026, Forthing has already secured approximately 600 orders for its Friday SUV. The company has established an initial foothold with the arrival of the first shipment of 500 vehicles at a Thai port. Building on this momentum, the brand has set a sales target of 1,000 units for the Friday SUV during 2026 as it continues strengthening its market presence and customer reach across the country.

Upcoming Vehicle Launch Roadmap

Forthing intends to broaden its product portfolio over the coming years with multiple model introductions aimed at different customer segments. The strategy includes new SUV launches as well as a premium plug-in hybrid MPV, supporting the brand’s long-term growth ambitions in Thailand and neighboring markets.

Planned Vehicle Introduction Timeline

Parts Warehouses and Dealer Network Growth

To strengthen aftersales support and logistics efficiency, Forthing plans to establish three parts warehouses in Bangkok, Udon Thani, and Chiang Mai. The project is expected to require an investment of approximately THB 100 million. Alongside infrastructure development, the company intends to significantly expand its retail footprint. The dealer network is projected to increase from the current five locations to 10 locations by the end of 2026, with a long-term objective of reaching 100 dealer outlets across Thailand.

Long-Term Sales Objectives

The planned assembly facility, expanding model lineup, growing dealer network, and enhanced parts distribution infrastructure are central components of Forthing’s regional strategy. Through these initiatives, the company is targeting annual vehicle sales of around 10,000 units. Local production of right-hand-drive vehicles is expected to support both domestic demand and export opportunities, helping Forthing strengthen its competitiveness within Southeast Asia’s automotive sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Forthing begin operating its Thailand vehicle assembly plant?
Forthing plans to begin operating its vehicle assembly plant in Thailand around mid-2027 to produce right-hand-drive vehicles for domestic and export markets. The company has not yet disclosed final details regarding the investment size, production capacity, or exact location of the facility. These elements remain under evaluation and are expected to be announced later as the project moves toward implementation and production readiness.

What vehicles does Forthing plan to launch in Thailand?
Forthing plans to expand its Thai product portfolio through a phased rollout of new models between 2026 and 2028. The lineup is expected to include the TaiKon 5 and TaiKon 7 SUVs in 2026, followed by the V9 PHEV premium MPV in 2027 and the TaiKon 9 SUV in 2028. These additions will complement the Friday SUV, helping the company broaden its market coverage and support future sales growth objectives.

What are Forthing’s long-term sales and network expansion targets?
Forthing aims to achieve annual vehicle sales of around 10,000 units in Thailand. To support this goal, the company plans to expand its dealer network from five locations to 10 by the end of 2026 and ultimately to 100 locations. It also intends to establish parts warehouses in Bangkok, Udon Thani, and Chiang Mai, creating a stronger service and logistics infrastructure to support customers and future business growth.