Gasgoo Munich- As the 2026 Paris Motor Show opened on Oct. 12, FORTHING — the passenger-car brand of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor — unveiled its all-new TK series. The first two models, the TK5 and TK7, made their global debuts. Europe will serve as the launchpad, with plans to expand the series into the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
Image source: FORTHING
Positioned as an urban SUV for younger buyers, the TK5 will offer both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid variants. The EV version features an 800-volt architecture, capable of charging from 20% to 80% in 18 minutes. Its chassis has also been tuned specifically for European road conditions.
Image source: FORTHING
Image source: FORTHING
The TK7, meanwhile, caters to families with flexible 5- to 8-seat layouts, 37 storage compartments, and 6.6 kW vehicle-to-load output. Official figures put the plug-in hybrid's electric range at 210 km, with a combined reach of 1,100 km. Also on stage was the V9 PHEV Camping Edition, which adds a pop-up roof bed, an expandable mattress, and a side tent to broaden its outdoor appeal.
Yet FORTHING's progress on local manufacturing in Europe may matter just as much as the new models.
Image source: FORTHING
Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor says it has already set up 9 knock-down (KD) plants across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Its first complete-vehicle assembly hub in Europe is expected to begin production in the first quarter of 2027. Meanwhile, its global sales and service network has grown to over 300 outlets spanning more than 120 countries and regions.
FORTHING already operates in European markets like Germany and Italy, and will push into France and elsewhere in 2026. According to the Paris Motor Show organizer, the brand also plans to tap Stellantis' plant in Rennes, France, to build some models.
As Chinese brands accelerate their European push, the battle is moving beyond specs and sticker prices. Local production, regulatory compliance, distribution, and after-sales service are the new hurdles. For FORTHING, whether the TK series breaks through in Europe will ultimately hinge on its delivery execution and local operations.
