In April 2017, BAIC announced its entry to the South African motor vehicle market. BAIC is the car brand owned by The Beijing Automotive Group Co Ltd from China and has announced that it plans to make a R11-billion investment in a vehicle manufacturing plant in Port Elizabeth, which is expected to be operational in 2018. In April, BAIC launched its D20 and has now launched its SUV, the X25 to the South African market. Through its joint ventures and associations with leading international companies, BAIC has fully developed in technical accumulation and group strength. This has enabled BAIC to deliver superior quality cars that perform at the highest standards. BAIC is confident that the X25 will not only be very successful but will also pave the way for establishing a new and trusted car brand in South Africa.
Founded in 1958, BAIC Group is one of China’s four largest automotive groups, with multiple business interests, the main of which are vehicle manufacturing, automobile R&D, parts manufacture, auto service and trade, education, investment and finance.
In 2016, BAIC Group sold 2.847 million cars in over 80 countries around the world. BAIC has increased its production bases and assembly plants dedicated to passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and electric vehicles in more than 20 countries. Since 1984, BAIC established a series of joint ventures partnerships with Jeep, Daimler and Hyundai. Through these associations and by acquisition, BAIC has fully developed its technical and styling strength to produce a number of its own brands as well as JV brands – Beijing Hyundai, Beijing Benz and Changhe Suzuki.
BAIC aims to be a leader in high quality and pleasant travel. To that end, it is geared to provide a comprehensive solution that is technologically advanced, safe, high quality and environmentally friendly. BAIC’s core brand values focus on responsibility, wisdom and passion.
While BAIC is heavily involved and committed to upliftment of its employees and in promoting harmonious development of people, vehicles and nature. The group supports low-carbon transport development and actively invests in research into energy saving processes and new energy vehicles.
BAIC will roll out sales of its new X25 SUV, which is currently being produced in China, ahead of going into local production in Port Elizabeth. The BAIC X25 is a high quality yet affordable SUV, competitively priced in its category and is designed to appeal to young car buyers who are on a professional career path.
Within the next two weeks, the X25 will be sold and served by BAIC dealers in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Polokwane and other cities. BAIC plans to have a chain of dealers in 22 South African cities by the end of this year.