New ‘beast’ promises hope

EXPANSION: CARMAKER SEEKS A BREAK IN MARKET >>> BAIC to assemble gutsy B30 lifestyle SUV at Coega in bid to turn its fortunes.

- Charl Bosch

Chinese carmaker Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) has not had the easiest of rides since launching its South African operations seven years ago.

Whereas fellow People's Republic marques, Chery and Great Wall Motors (GWM) have flourished, BAIC has comparatively struggled since the high-profile opening of its controversial assembly plant in the Coega Industrial Zone (IDZ), outside Gqeberha, in 2018. A facility last year only produced 282 vehicles, it was revealed during a media tour. In spite of this, the manufacturer has insisted that the 41768m² factory is anything but a white elephant.

Apart from the complete knockdown kit (CKD) production of the popular Beijing X55, subsidiary Foton produced the first pre-production Tunland G7 bakkie at the plant last month as part of expansion plans involving both the local and other African markets. The B30 will become the third model assembled at the facility, but only from next year and also in CKD format.

The B30 incorporates more than a few styling touches from other models, namely the Defender 110, Ford Bronco and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It is touted as a light-duty off-roader or adventure vehicle as per its claimed 215mm of ground clearance. It measures 4730mm long, 1910mm wide and 1790mm tall.

The most intriguing part is the interior's ability to morph into a sleeping area with the front seats also folded.