What's Happening with Dongfeng Forthing EVs and Australia?
1. iGZEV (iGlobal Zero Emission Vehicles) Leading the Charge
A Sydney-based mobility retailer, iGZEV, has secured the rights to sell the Dongfeng Forthing Friday EV in Oceania, already launching it in Fiji.
The next step is crucial: iGZEV's business development manager will soon travel to China to negotiate whether the Friday—and potentially the Nammi Box—will be approved for Australia.
2. Why the Friday and Nammi Box?
Both vehicles are already built in right-hand drive, which simplifies bringing them to markets like Australia and Fiji.
Forthing Friday: A mid-size electric SUV powered by a front-mounted 150 kW motor (340 Nm), a 64.4 kWh Li‑ion phosphate battery, delivering a 425 km range and an 80 kW DC fast-charge rate.
Nammi Box: A compact EV, already introduced in Europe, with a 42 kWh battery, 70 kW motor, and ~310 km range—positioned as a budget-friendly city EV.
3. Regulatory and Market Unknowns
At present, neither model has Australian Design Rule (ADR) compliance, ANCAP safety ratings, nor confirmed pricing. How they will be sold (dealer network vs agency model) is also undecided.
-
iGZEV intends to position the Friday as a competitor to the BYD Atto 3 (starting around A$40k), and the Nammi Box against the BYD Dolphin (starting under A$30k).
4. Dongfeng’s Global Expansion Moves
The Forthing Friday made its right-hand drive debut in Hong Kong in March 2025, marking Dongfeng Forthing’s first foray into RHD markets.
At the 2024 Paris Auto Show, Dongfeng displayed several pure-electric models—namely the Forthing Friday, S7 sedan, and V9 MPV—signaling a global push.
Dongfeng continues to expand its EV lineup, launching new models like the Xinghai X5 (530 km range with strong warranty coverage) and the Xinghai S7 sedan with up to 650 km range.
Chinese car giant Dongfeng is closing in on a launch in Australia as soon as the end of this year with a Geely EX5 competitor priced from about $40,000 to $45,000.
One of China's largest automotive manufacturers, Dongfeng's entry into Australia is set to come via its Forthing brand, a maker of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
-
Summary Table
| Vehicle | Key Specs | Australia Status |
|---|---|---|
| Forthing Friday | 150 kW motor, 64.4 kWh, 425 km, 80 kW DC | Oceania launch via Fiji; Australia pending ADR/ANCAP/pricing |
| Nammi Box | 70 kW motor, 42 kWh, ~310 km | Similarly pending |
| Forthing S7 / X5 / V9 | Larger EV sedan/SUV/MPV, EV-only | Overnighted to Europe; no AUS details yet |
