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On March 23, 2026, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. (DFLZM) made a grand appearance at the Bangkok International Motor Show with the new energy SUV FRIDAY and its core new energy model Forthing V9. Under the theme "FOR FAMILY FORWARD", DFLZM showcased a product matrix tailored to the Thai market at this influential automotive event in ASEAN. It also fully unveiled its comprehensive technical system covering modular platforms, new energy technologies and intelligent technologies to users in Southeast Asia, interpreting the advanced path of Chinese automakers going global with robust strength.
Visitors to the Forthing booth can see that FRIDAY and V9, with distinct yet complementary product positioning, reflect Forthing's in-depth understanding of the Thai market.
Built on an all-new underlying architecture, FRIDAY is deeply aligned with the actual usage scenarios and core needs of Thai users. Beneath its streamlined body lies a thoughtful response to local charging infrastructure: its extended-range powertrain paired with a pure electric range of over 200 km frees users from range anxiety completely. The ADAS intelligent driving assistance system has undergone localized tuning to fit Thailand's unique driving habits, while enhanced water tightness and wading capability enable the vehicle to cope easily with the tropical rainy season. This is not a mere stack of parameters, but a profound insight into user scenarios.
Sharing the spotlight, V9 interprets a new dimension of "Family travel" through the spatial philosophy of MPVs. The integration of a spacious cabin and emotionally intelligent configurations turns the mobile space into an extension of family bonds, rather than just a means of physical transportation. The debut of these two models marks Forthing's simultaneous efforts in the SUV and MPV segments, meeting the all-scenario needs of Thai users with a diversified product matrix.
At the launch event, Mr.Xie Jiasheng, Deputy General Manager of Import & Export Company of DFLZM, delivered a speech, unveiling the company's pragmatic and determined global journey.
"Founded in 1954, DFLZM is a key strategic base of Dongfeng Motor Group in southern China, with 72 years of development history and 57 years of vehicle manufacturing expertise." Rooted in this profound heritage, DFLZM launched the Riding the Wind: Dual-Engine Plan overseas strategy in 2025, with a clear and firm core logic: shifting from product exports to systematic globalization, and from short-term growth to long-term market cultivation.
Data speaks volumes. In 2025, DFLZM's total exports exceeded 53,000 units, a year-on-year increase of nearly 30%. It operates 9 overseas intelligent factories and nearly 300 sales and service outlets, covering more than 120 countries and regions. Behind these figures lies DFLZM's continuous investment and patient operation in the global market.
As the large Chinese automaker closest to ASEAN, DFLZM has always regarded the ASEAN market as the core of its strategic layout. In the commercial vehicle sector, the Chenglong brand has rooted in ASEAN for more than 30 years, ranking second among Chinese heavy-duty truck brands with 11,000 units sold in 2025. In the passenger vehicle sector, the Forthing brand entered left-hand drive markets in batches in 2022 and now officially forays into right-hand drive markets. With commercial and passenger vehicles advancing in tandem, DFLZM is deeply cultivating this vibrant region with systematic strength.
As the core hub of ASEAN's right-hand drive markets, Thailand is a key milestone in DFLZM's overseas strategy. From the brand launch on March 9 to the in-depth showcase at this motor show, DFLZM has sent a clear signal to the market with efficient progress in just a few days: Thailand is a strategic priority, not a trial; it is about long-term cultivation, not a quick test.
Forthing not only displayed its future-oriented technical blueprint but also responded to the real expectations of Thai families with four solemn commitments—where technology and commitment converge to serve people and ensure every journey.
Technology underpins commitment. The EMA Modular Platform covers SUVs, MPVs and sedans, and is compatible with pure electric, plug-in hybrid, extended-range and other powertrains. Models built on this platform have earned 5-star ASEAN-NCAP certification, with over 70% high-strength steel in the body structure providing fundamental safety support. The Mahle Hybrid Engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 45.18%, the 800V high-voltage platform can charge from 30% to 80% in just 14 minutes, and the Armor Battery has passed more than 500 stringent tests. These are not conceptual visions, but practical capabilities already equipped on FRIDAY and Forthing V9.
Commitment is the ultimate destination of technology. Forthing has made four solemn commitments to Thai families: to develop family cars more tailored to Thailand and launch exclusive right-hand drive models, to uphold global quality standards with exclusive optimizations for Thai road conditions and climate, to swiftly build a full-coverage sales and service network across Thailand, and to join hands with Thailand in embracing a green future.
In terms of channels and services, DFLZM will cooperate with its passenger and commercial vehicle partners to build no less than 100 new sales and service outlets across Thailand in the next three years. This will shorten the service radius in the Bangkok area to about 10 kilometers and raise the on-demand service response rate to 100%.
From the EMA Platform to the Armor Battery, from 800V high-voltage fast charging to a Thailand-wide service network, Forthing is taking technology as its core and commitment as its faith, enabling Thai families to experience tangible safety, environmental friendliness and convenience in every journey.
Genuine localization goes beyond product adaptation to value co-creation. DFLZM's layout in Thailand is transcending the traditional "export-sales" model to advance into deeper ecological co-construction.
In the future, DFLZM will build an intelligent manufacturing factory in Thailand with local partners, carrying out in-depth cooperation in localized production and supply chain collaboration. This means DFLZM will not only bring products to Thailand, but also root technology, industry and employment opportunities in the country. Shifting from "product export" to "ecological co-construction" and from "Made in China" to "Co-created in Thailand", DFLZM is exploring an advanced path for Chinese automakers going global.
With 70 years of ingenuity inheritance and 30 years of in-depth overseas development, DFLZM has always been guided by "Moving Forward with Families", regarding every vehicle as a companion for families toward a better future. The debut at the Bangkok Motor Show is not only a new starting point for DFLZM to deepen the Thai market, but also a key step for the Riding the Wind:Dual-Engine Plan to land in ASEAN.
Going forward, DFLZM will continue to take technological innovation as its engine, localized cultivation as its cornerstone, and ecological co-construction as its path, launching more models adapted to global markets. It will bring the ingenuity and new energy strength of Chinese automobiles to more families worldwide, accompanying them toward a happier and brighter future, and writing a new chapter for Chinese automakers going global.
Post time: Mar-24-2026
