Deepening the Belt and Road Initiative: ForthingLeads the Charge in China's Automotive Global Expansion

Recently, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor (DFLZ), a pioneer in the global expansion of Chinese automotive brands, was featured by CCTV Overseas Channel. Since the successful opening of the South American trade route through the Port of Chancay in Peru on December 14, 2024, DFLZ, as one of the first Chinese automakers to arrive at Chancay, has actively responded to China’s “Belt and Road” initiative, promoting win-win cooperation between China, Peru, and the broader Latin American region.

As a world-renowned brand leading China’s automotive industry overseas, DFLZ has identified new energy Vehicles as a key breakthrough in its global expansion. Its overseas market performance has been exceptional. In 2024, DFLZ exported a total of 42,902 vehicles, including 36,066 passenger cars under theForthing brand, marking a 24.78% year-on-year increase. The commercial vehicle brand, Dongfeng Chenglong, exported 6,836 units, further solidifying China’s automotive presence in global markets.

Forthing’s innovative new energy lineup, such as the Forthing series, was developed with global markets in mind. These products meet international design and quality standards, meeting the needs of various countries. In September 2024, Forthing V9 and Forthing S7 models set off from the Horgos Port in Xinjiang, traversing through 10 countries and 20 cities across Eurasia, and eventually arrived in France to participate in the Paris Motor Show. These vehicles demonstrated China’s ability to produce world-class automobiles, performing flawlessly under a variety of global road conditions. At the Paris Motor Show, the Forthing V9 and Forthing S7, which are deeply infused with Chinese cultural elements, captivated international consumers with their cutting-edge design, superior handling, advanced new energy technology, and intelligent cockpit systems. These models helped generate a surge of interest in Chinese vehicles, creating a buzz at the show.

DFLZ’s overseas sales network now spans six continents, with exports reaching over 80 countries and nearly 200 dealers worldwide. DFLZ is also actively building cross-border e-commerce platforms, using Alibaba’s international platform and Liuzhou’s overseas social media presence to engage with global buyers. Through live-streaming, social media events, and thematic posts, DFLZ’s marketing initiatives have reached over 80 countries, with over 20 million exposures, significantly boosting its international presence.

As China’s automotive export market continues its robust growth in 2024, with a total export of 5.86 million vehicles—up 19.3% year-on-year—the future of the global automotive industry will see more fierce competition for overseas markets. In 2025, the Chinese automotive industry enters a crucial phase, shifting from export-driven growth to a more globalized approach. Overseas markets have become a critical battleground for Chinese automakers, including Forthing.

Forthing, as a key player, is seizing the historic opportunity presented by the rise of Chinese automobile brands and the development of new energy vehicles. DFLZ will accelerate its global expansion in both the commercial and passenger vehicle sectors. With the recent opening of the South American trade route through the Port of Chancay, Forthing’s presence in Latin America is expected to grow significantly. Prior to the opening of the Chancay Port, shipping between China and Peru required detours through multiple countries, with a travel time of 40 to 50 days. With the port now open, direct shipping between the two countries has been established, cutting the travel time significantly. This will not only streamline Forthing’s access to the Latin American market but also enhance the company’s ability to control and manage global supply chains, reinforcing the international development strategy of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Port of Chancay is just one example of Forthing’s global expansion efforts. Moving forward, DFLZ will continue to expand its marketing network, advancing both “Overseas CKD (Completely Knocked Down) Kit Cooperation” and the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, DFLZ will explore new modes of digital transformation for Chinese automotive exports, focusing on building a robust after-sales service system to ensure timely, efficient service and enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, further promoting the healthy development of its global brand. By continuously crafting products that appeal to overseas consumers—products that are not only affordable but also desirable—Forthing aims to replicate its domestic success on a global scale.

As Chinese automotive brands like Forthing accelerate their global expansion, Chinese manufacturing will shine brightly in automotive markets worldwide, supporting global consumers' travel needs while firmly establishing Chinese automotive industries at the forefront of the global stage.