Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., also known as BAIC, has been one of the prominent Chinese automobile manufacturers. Although the automotive brand began its journey in 1958, the company started its global operations in 2013. Meanwhile, it is one of the BAIC facts that it partnered with several globally-known automotive companies, such as Hyundai and Mercedes Benz.
Let’s find out some more interesting facts about BAIC and why it is popular among Chinese automotive brands.
Things You Should Know About BAIC
Since its inception in 1958, one of the fascinating facts about BAIC is that it didn’t produce a car model with its nameplate until 2012. However, the current BAIC models in the UAE include seven cars, consisting of SUVs and crossovers. Besides, BAIC’s strategic collaboration makes the brand well-known across the globe.
Here are some of the interesting and lesser-known facts about BAIC Group.
Beginnings in 1958 as BAW
BAIC Group began its journey in 1958, named Beijing Automobile Works (BAW). It was owned by the Chinese Government. Moreover, it unveiled its first model, Jinggangshan, which became much-anticipated among the Chinese high officials. Later, BJ212, an off-road vehicle and BJ130, a light-duty truck followed the first model.
As a state-owned automobile manufacturer, BAIC became quite successful with strategic partnerships with renowned automotive brands in the world.
Among the Fortune 500 Companies
It is one of the things you didn’t know about BAIC. This automobile manufacturer has been part of the Fortune 500 for a decade. In the latest annual magazine, it ranks 193rd.
Joint Venture With American Motors Corporation
In 1984, the company partnered with American Motors Corporation (the previous owner of JEEP). Moreover, they started the first manufacturing plant as a joint venture in China named Beijing Jeep Corporation.
Partnership With Hyundai in 2002
One of the interesting BAIC facts is that it partnered with Hyundai and started a joint venture manufacturing plant in 2002. Furthermore, the joint venture was named Beijing Hyundai Motor Corporation Limited. BAIC started producing Hyundai-badged vehicles in China.
Mercedes-Benz and BAIC Joint Venture
BAIC formed another joint venture manufacturing company with Mercedes-Benz. Later, the first luxury Mercedes car was produced in China under the Beijing Benz Automotive Corporation Limited.
Another fascinating fact about BAIC is that it owns Daimler’s first Mercedes-Benz car engine manufacturing factory outside Germany. Moreover, it has set the largest Daimler R&D centre by a joint venture.
BAIC Acquired Saab Automobile Company
One of the important BAIC facts is that the government-owned automotive brand acquired Saab Automobile Company in 2009. This move led the way for BAIC into the international market. Saab Automobile Company was previously a brand owned by General Motors alongside Buick and Chevrolet.
However, BAIC acquired it and paved its way to the global automobile market. This marked a new era for BAIC and the brand started working on producing cars for the global market. Moreover, it became one of the leading Chinese car brands in the UAE.
First Car Officially Launched Under BAIC’s Name in 2012
The company officially unveiled its first-ever car model, A1, in Beijing. After that, the company started its R&D base with a $2.2 million investment and set up a production facility. Moreover, one of the interesting facts about BAIC is that it produced a series of luxury cars A520T and A523T.
FAQs
What is the ranking of BAIC cars?
BAIC Group is a global automotive brand. It is a state-owned automobile company in China that ranks 3rd among the Chinese automobile brands. Besides, it ranks 193rd among the Fortune 500 companies in the world.
Does Mercedes own BAIC?
Mercedes and BAIC have a partnership. Mercedes owns a 9.55% stake in BAIC Hong Kong. On the other hand, BAIC is one of the largest shareholders of Mercedes, with a 9.98% stake.
These were all the BAIC facts that made the company a popular Chinese automobile brand. You can also explore other popular used Chinese cars in the UAE. Moreover, check out these used BAIC cars for sale in the UAE.
Keep reading the dubizzle cars blog for more facts and histories about different automobile brands.
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