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Johannesburg. Beijing Automotive Industry Corp. (BAIC), one of the largest automobile manufacturers in China will be demonstrating its innovation-driven offroad range vehicles, characterized by electrification, intelligence, connectivity and sharing. Established in 1958 and headquartered in Beijing, BAIC has now developed into a large State-owned automobile enterprise group covering the R&D and manufacturing of complete vehicles and parts & components, auto services and trade, integrated mobility services, finance and investment and general aviation. The company ranks 124th on the Fortune 500 list of 2021.
This year, BAIC will be completing its B-series range of offroad vehicles, most notably, the B40 PLUS 8AT, available in 2 litre Petrol Turbo or 2.0 Diesel Turbo. Launched in South Africa in 2016 through a joint venture with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), BAIC will be previewing the iconic B80, described by analysts as the only off-road on the market without boundaries. The official launch is planned for the end of October 2022.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BAIC South Africa, Mr Hugo HU says that the company has always pioneered off-road vehicles since its formation in 1958. “When Beijing Automotive Works produced the Jinggangshan sedan, the first model developed on its own, BAIC has developed and manufactured B212, China’s first-generation light off-road vehicle, and B130, the first-generation light truck, and established Beijing Jeep Corporation, China’s first joint venture specialized in vehicle manufacturing, Beijing Hyundai Auto Co., Ltd., China’s first vehicle manufacturing joint venture after China was admitted into WTO, and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd., the model of strengthening strategic joint venture and cooperation in a deep-going way.”
“This year, we are introducing the B80 that was rated ‘one of the most reliable off-road vehicle in the world after the boxy four-wheel drive model achieved test scores that were seven times higher than those of its competitors. To this end, a conclusion was reached after the 4×4 was subjected to a rigorous system of trials organized by China’s People’s Liberation Army, who just took on a contract to use the SUV in a military capacity. The tests pitted the B80 against its competitor found that the Chinese-built off-roader netted scores seven times higher than the industry benchmark,” said Mr Hu.
Meanwhile, Basil Costa, Senior Manager at BAIC South Africa says that the company invites off-road enthusiasts to experience the “bold and unapologetic B40 PLUS which boasts a long heritage of off-road capability,” he says, adding that “off-road fanatics will be spoilt to a 4×4 driving experience with the B40 PLUS and preview the legendary B80 at the show.” The event takes place at the Kyalami Circuit from 26-28 August 2022 and promises to deliver on its mandate as the largest industry-supported motor show in Africa. “Our customers will have an opportunity to view our complete range of the BAIC B-series off-road vehicles at all our dealership nation-wide” Costa concludes.