Come-’BAIC’ kid has been brings in thunder and lightning
BAIC Philippines, dubbed as the ‘comeback kid’ in the local automotive scene now under the management of United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI), has come out swinging since re-entering the Philippine market in March this year.
BAIC has been a wonderful addition to the other brands veteran industry player, UAAGI, has reintroduced, established and brought in the local automotive scene all these years.
“The time is ripe for us to bring in what would be our fourth automotive brand and we are convinced that BAIC vehicles offer the right mix of design, features, technology, and pricing in its product line to make a strong impact on the Philippine market,” said Rommel Sytin, UAAGI chairman.
Since the Manila International Auto Show last April, wherein BAIC unveiled SUVs and crossovers, such as: the B80, B60, B40, X55, and X7, it continues to introduce exciting offerings. Recently, it officially rolled into the market its first-ever electrified vehicle, BAIC B30e Dune.
‘BAIC’ to the past and unto the present
For starters, Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC, formerly known as Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation), is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Shunyi, Beijing.
Founded in 1958, the carmaker is the sixth largest automobile manufacturer in China, with 1.723 million sales in 2021. Its global revenues amount to CN¥480,738,070,000 or about 68 billion US dollars.
About 66 years ago, when it was first founded, the company was known then as Beijing Automobile Works (BAW), which found success producing the Dongfanghong BJ760, a vehicle based on the Soviet GAZ-21.
BAIC was one of the top ten most-productive Chinese automakers in 2010. In the Chinese market, it reached as high as fifth place by selling nearly 1.5 millions units garnering a market share of more than eight percent. Its 2011 production of 1.5 million whole vehicles made it the fifth largest vehicle-maker in China that year in terms of units manufactured.
The following year, BAIC kept its pace and remained fifth, which saw the company produce 1.7 million whole vehicles, of which 30 percent of production was mainly focused on commercial or heavy-duty products.
To spice things up, the carmaker is bannering celebrity and former matinee idol, Ian Veneracion, as the exciting face of the brand, representing the dynamic, handsomely rugged and action-packed portfolio that the vehicles bring to the table. He will also treat fans to a special performance during his visit to the display this Saturday, Sept. 21.
Check out more details of BAIC’s offerings on its website at www.baic.ph or on social media: BAIC Philippines on Facebook, @baicph on Instagram.
