Experience Forland Smart Manufacturing In Action
FORLAND’s Global Partners Conference 2026 set the tone for a new chapter in international collaboration when delegates arrived in Qingdao on 12 November 2025. Before formal discussions even began, the company opened the doors to its intelligent manufacturing complex and hosted an extensive vehicle test drive programme.
This hands-on introduction offered a rare and revealing look at how China’s commercial vehicle sector is reshaping global expectations.
The pre-conference experience underscored FORLAND’s drive to present not only its latest vehicles but also the manufacturing philosophies, digital systems, and engineering principles behind them. Partners travelled from around the world to see the company’s progress up close, and many left with a deeper appreciation of what modern Chinese smart manufacturing can achieve.
A Factory Built For Intelligent Production
FORLAND’s Global Manufacturing Center in Zhucheng is the beating heart of the brand’s technological ambitions. It stands as a living example of how precision engineering, automation, and digitalised processes are transforming the country’s industrial landscape. During the factory tour, partners witnessed the mantra of “Made in China” evolving into “Created in China”, with every workshop showcasing an approach rooted in advanced automation and data-driven oversight.
Inside the welding workshop, the pace of production is dictated by an army of 29 industrial robots. These systems deliver an automation rate of 92.3 percent, allowing the plant to achieve accuracy levels that would have been unthinkable two decades ago. The robots, positioned throughout the body assembly line, handle key processes such as component positioning, automated welding, and precision gluing. Each movement is governed by real-time data, reducing variability and strengthening product performance.
One production cell contains four high-precision robots designed to position key structural components with an error tolerance of under 0.1 millimetres. This tight window of precision supports the structural integrity of each truck body, a factor that directly influences safety, durability, and vehicle lifetime. Nearby, a fully automated gluing machine completes each vehicle body in approximately 90 seconds, enhancing sealing performance and delivering consistent quality.
Engineers also demonstrated the dual-head welding system, developed to handle specialised nuts with a thickness of 3.5 millimetres. This breakthrough ensures consistent, robust joints that meet the demands of commercial transport operations. Visitors noted that such innovations show how the plant is pushing manufacturing boundaries while boosting operational safety.
Digital Systems Shape Assembly Excellence
At the assembly stage, FORLAND uses a combination of smart conveyors, automated handling systems, and real-time monitoring tools to raise efficiency. Intelligent conveyors equipped with KBK assist devices ensure that fully assembled tyre units are delivered and positioned with accuracy. This reduces manual strain and keeps assembly flows predictable.
A highlight of the tour was the five-in-one filling machine. By scanning each vehicle’s VIN code, the system retrieves calibrated parameters and performs automated filling operations without the need for manual adjustments. Partners observed how this approach reduces errors, increases consistency, and shortens production cycles.
Real-time monitoring plays a central role in FORLAND’s quality management system. Engineers demonstrated a digital dashboard that tracks each vehicle’s handling, alignment, calibration, and component installation as it progresses along the line. The company’s key feature management platform provides full traceability, documenting every stage of production. If an error is detected, operators can trace the source instantly, allowing rapid corrective action.
Such systems have helped FORLAND establish strong production reliability and raise its build quality. Delegates described the experience as an impressive display of industrial discipline and technical progression.
Performance On The Test Track
After seeing how each vehicle is built, partners moved to the test track to evaluate the full line-up. A total of 62 vehicles were displayed, covering fuel models, new energy variants, special-purpose conversions, and autonomous prototypes. Ten flagship models were available for hands-on testing, including the FORLAND T5, FORLAND Q, FORLAND V5, FORLAND G5, FORLAND G6, and FORLAND U7.
The T5 mini truck stood out for its ergonomic innovations. Its 140-degree folding seat captured the interest of small business owners and fleet managers. One visitor remarked: “You can lie down and rest, and the optional rear-view camera is a thoughtful detail.” This reflected the company’s emphasis on improving comfort, practicality, and driver experience.
The double-row version of the FORLAND Q proved popular among users who routinely balance passenger transport and cargo delivery needs. Meanwhile, the FORLAND V5 fuel model, equipped with a double wishbone suspension, delivered noticeably smoother handling on uneven surfaces.
The FORLAND G5 demonstrated its safety credentials with ABS, ASR, and a responsive air brake system. The G6 automatic version, fitted with a ZF AMT gearbox, brought car-like driving ease to the light commercial category. Drivers appreciated the comfortable shift logic and reduced fatigue during longer runs.
Rapid Progress In New Energy Solutions
FORLAND placed its new energy technologies at the centre of the test programme. The FORLAND Q EV attracted attention for its robust cargo bed with anti-slip design, a feature aligned with the increasing demands of high-frequency urban logistics. The V5 EV model supported one-hour fast charging, making it a strong candidate for fleet operators who rely on rapid turnaround times.
The G6 EV offered a range of up to 300 kilometres, suitable for regional distribution environments. On the passenger side, the U7 stood out for its semi-solid-state battery, improving safety margins and reducing thermal risks.
Delegates who tested both fuel and electric models commented on the consistency of driving feel, build quality, and cabin comfort. Many noted that the company’s electric platform had advanced significantly over recent years. These improvements were described as a tangible demonstration of FORLAND’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
Strengthening Bonds For Global Growth
The combined experience of factory visits and test drives left a clear message: FORLAND is preparing for a more integrated role in the global market. The company’s smart manufacturing capabilities support international expansion, while its product lineup reflects an understanding of shifting transport trends, particularly in new energy adoption.
Visitors also gained insight into FORLAND’s long-term strategy, which includes improved support services, regionalised operations, and deeper collaboration with overseas distributors. Many partners expressed renewed confidence in the brand, particularly after witnessing the scale of its automation and the technical maturity of its electric vehicle platforms.
As FORLAND continues to refine its global presence, the company aims to strengthen local partnerships, boost service capacity, and ensure its vehicles meet the needs of diverse markets. These ambitions were echoed throughout the event, reinforcing a shared vision for international cooperation.
Moving Forward Together
The immersive programme ahead of FORLAND Global Partners Conference 2026 highlighted a brand in motion. It offered proof of how smart manufacturing, robust engineering, and an expanding model range are shaping FORLAND’s next phase of global development.
Attendees left Qingdao with a strong impression of a company deeply invested in innovation and ready to build stronger alliances worldwide.
