Auto-Industrial strengthens Changan and Forthing strategy in Portugal

As Chinese car makers establish an increasingly strong presence in the market, Auto-Industrial Group has chosen to deepen its commitment. Following Forthing, Solmotor - a company within the group - will now also import Changan, one of China’s largest automotive brands, into Portugal.

To support this new structure, two dedicated management roles have been established. Sérgio Gonçalves has been appointed Commercial Director, while Pedro Galvão becomes After-Sales and Logistics Director. Both will report to Alfredo Leite Santos, a director of the group.

“Our aim is to build a robust nationwide network that provides proximity and direct support for future customers,” Alfredo Leite Santos stressed.

Changan electric vehicles; Forthing takes a different route

Changan will make its Portuguese debut with the Deepal S07, a fully electric SUV unveiled at the ECAR Show in May and scheduled to reach the market in September. It will be followed by the Deepal S05, another SUV, as part of a plan to introduce nine electric and hybrid models across Europe over the next three years.

Forthing, meanwhile, is pursuing a different strategy, offering a broader choice of body styles and powertrains. Its Portuguese line-up comprises the Forthing Friday, an SUV available with petrol, hybrid or electric power; the Forthing U-Tour, a seven-seat MPV offered with petrol or LPG engines; and the Forthing S7, a fully electric saloon positioned at the top of the range.

Two brands, one Auto-Industrial strategy

Both marques already have dedicated sales and servicing sites in Lisbon, Porto, Cacém, Leiria and Coimbra. The network has recently expanded to Viseu, Viana do Castelo, Portimão and Aveiro, with coverage also expected to extend to the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores by the end of the year.

Auto-Industrial Group’s strategy is therefore to create complementarity between Changan and Forthing: next-generation electric SUVs on one side, and a varied range of multi-energy SUVs, seven-seat MPVs and an electric saloon on the other. Its stated aim is straightforward: to meet the needs of different customer types in a market where Chinese car makers are seeking to gain ground.