IF someone were to ask who is Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC), only a few would even guess that it’s a car manufacturer with a branch in Mzansi.
At a Festival of Motoring in Kyalami, Midrand from 26 to 28 August, visitor Lungelo Dlamini said that he never knew of BAIC until he was taken on a ride in some of the company’s off-road cars, including the B40 Plus 8AT available in 2-litre petrol and diesel turbo.
“I can’t believe that this company actually makes such great cars that are better than some of some popular ones in the country,” he said.
Vice president of sales and marketing for BAIC SA, Hugo Hu, said their Beijing Jeep Corporation partnership was making things happen in the brand.
“This year, we’re introducing the B80 that was rated one of the most reliable off-road car in the world, after the boxy four-wheel drive model achieved test scores that were seven times higher than those of it’s competitors,” said Hu.
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He said after subjecting their 4x4 to a rigorous system of trails organised by China’s People’s Liberation Army, they 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 much higher than the industry benchmark,” said Hu.
BAIC SA senior manager Basil Costa said: “People experienced the bold and unapologetic B40 Plus, which boasts a long heritage of off-road capability.”
BAIC has been making off-road cars since 1958.
