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Forthing Unveils FRIDAY and V9 at Bangkok Motor Show Under 'FOR FAMILY FORWARD' Theme, Emerging as a New Choice in Thailand's New Energy Vehicle Market
Launch Date: March 23, 2026
Venue: Bangkok International Motor Show, Thailand
On March 23, 2026, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, made a grand appearance at the Bangkok International Motor Show, officially unveiling the new energy SUV FRIDAY and new energy MPV V9 under the theme 'FOR FAMILY FORWARD'.
At ASEAN's most influential auto show, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor not only showcased its product portfolio but also demonstrated a deep understanding of the Thai market, while presenting a comprehensive technology system to Southeast Asian consumers—covering modular platforms, new energy technologies, and intelligent technologies—fully demonstrating the robust capabilities of Chinese automakers going global.
Two Shining Stars: Redefining Right-Hand Drive Market Standards.
At the Forthing booth, the FRIDAY and V9—two distinctive yet complementary models—vividly conveyed Forthing's profound insight into the Thai market.
The FRIDAY is developed on a foundation deeply rooted in the real-world usage scenarios and core needs of Thai consumers. Beneath its sharp exterior lies thoughtful design addressing local charging infrastructure conditions. It seamlessly combines range-extended power with over 200 kilometers of all-electric range, completely eliminating range anxiety.
The ADAS intelligent driving assistance system has been fine-tuned for Thailand's unique driving behaviors, while enhanced body rigidity and wading capability confidently tackle tropical rainy seasons. This is no mere spec sheet—it's deep design driven by real-world usage. With the largest battery in its class and a combined range of up to 1,000+ kilometers for the REEV version, the FRIDAY offers Thai families a fresh new mobility option.
The concurrently launched V9 presents another compelling vision of family travel. The spatial philosophy of an MPV merges a spacious cabin with emotionally intelligent design, transforming the moving space from mere physical transport into an extension of family life. The simultaneous launch of these two models marks Forthing's strategic entry into both the SUV and MPV segments, addressing every scenario of Thai consumers' mobility needs with a diverse product lineup—a systematic global expansion focused on long-term core markets.
During the launch event, Mr. Xie Jiasheng, Deputy General Manager of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Import & Export Company, delivered a speech articulating the company's tangible and determined global expansion journey.
Founded in 1954 as a strategic base for Dongfeng Group in southern China, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor boasts 72 years of development history and 57 years of automotive manufacturing experience. Building on this deep historical foundation, the company clearly unveiled its 'Chengfeng Shuangying' (Riding the Wind, Dual Power) overseas expansion strategy in 2025, transitioning from product exports to systematic global operations, and from short-term growth to long-term deep development.
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's annual export volume exceeded 53,000 vehicles, a 30% year-on-year increase. The company operates 9 overseas intelligent factories and nearly 300 sales and service networks, covering over 120 countries and regions. Behind these figures lies continuous investment and steady operation in global markets.
As one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing markets, Thailand plays a pivotal role in Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's overseas strategy. From the brand launch on March 9, 2026, to the full-scale debut at this motor show, within just days, the company has sent a clear signal to the market with speed and efficiency: Thailand is a long-term strategy, not an experiment; it's deep development, not market testing.
Technology at the Core, Commitment as the Creed: Sincerity in Cultivating the Thai Market.
Forthing not only presents a future-oriented technology roadmap but also responds to the real needs of Thai families with four major commitments. Technology and commitment converge at this moment, empowering safety with technological strength and making every journey safer.
Technology is the foundation of commitment. The EMA modular platform covers three major vehicle categories—SUV, MPV, and sedan—and supports multiple powertrain forms including BEV, PHEV, and REEV. All models have achieved ASEAN-NCAP five-star safety ratings, with over 70% ultra-high-strength steel in the body structure providing the bedrock of safety. The Mach hybrid engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 45.18%. The 800V high-voltage electrical platform enables charging from 30% to 80% in just 14 minutes. The Armor battery has passed over 500 rigorous tests. None of these remain concepts—they have already been mass-produced in models such as the FRIDAY and Starry V9.
Commitment is the destination of technology. Forthing makes four solemn commitments to Thai families:
Build family cars that better understand Thailand, with dedicated right-hand drive (RHD) models
Adhere to global quality standards while tuning for Thailand's road conditions and climate
Accelerate the establishment of sales and service networks across Thailand
Partner with Thailand to move toward a green future
Over the next 3 to 5 years, approximately 100 new service centers will be established to expand service coverage and increase response speed.
From the EMA platform to the Armor battery, from 800V high-voltage fast charging to a nationwide service network in Thailand, Forthing is putting technology at the core and commitment as its guiding principle, enabling Thai families to truly experience safety, environmental sustainability, and convenience in every journey.
Co-creating an Ecosystem: From Product Exports to Value Co-creation.
True localization goes beyond product adaptation—it means co-creating value. Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor is planning in Thailand to go beyond the traditional 'export + sales' model and move toward deeper ecosystem co-creation.
In the future, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor will co-build intelligent manufacturing plants in Thailand with partners, while deepening cooperation in local production and supply chain co-development. This means the company will not only bring products into Thailand but also bring technology, industry, and employment opportunities to the country. From 'product exports' to 'ecosystem co-creation,' from 'made in China' to 'co-created in Thailand,' Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor is exploring a new path for Chinese automakers going global.
Thailand Strategy: Establishing Forthing as a Century-Old Brand Rooted in the Thai Market.
Over the next three years, the Forthing brand will launch at least 6 models in the Thai market, followed by continuous annual new model introductions to meet the diverse needs of Thai consumers.
In terms of distribution channels, the approach will be steady and solid, focusing on dealer profitability and empowering partners to serve consumers with maximum efficiency.
For after-sales service, the company will support dealers in developing cooperative service networks to double network coverage, increase spare parts inventory to four times monthly demand to enhance parts availability, and collaborate with professional automotive repair companies to elevate overall service standards.
Regarding localization, the company will promote localized production, parts sourcing, business cooperation, and other aspects to achieve comprehensive localization.
With over 70 years of innovation heritage and more than 30 years of deep overseas development, Forthing has always adhered to the philosophy of 'traveling with families,' viewing every vehicle as a means to carry families toward the future. This debut at the Bangkok Motor Show marks a new beginning for Forthing in deeply cultivating the Thai market and serves as a vivid example of Chinese automotive innovation and new energy going global.
The participation in the Bangkok Motor Show is not only a new starting point for Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's deep development in the Thai market but also a significant step for the 'Riding the Wind, Dual Power' strategy in expanding into the ASEAN market. Moving forward, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor will continue to be driven by technology, rooted in localization, and guided by ecosystem co-creation, promoting products better suited for global markets, allowing the new energy and innovative power of Chinese automobiles to accompany families worldwide toward a brighter future, and collectively writing a new chapter for China's automotive industry on the global stage.
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