Beijing Auto (BAIC) has been producing cars with their partners Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai for a long time, which have enjoyed strong sales. On the other hand, Beijing Auto’s own brands have been struggling to sell old Jeeps from their now-defunct partnership with Chrysler. Are they finally stepping out of the shadows? If this year’s Beijing Auto Show is any indication, the answer is a resounding “Yes.”
BAIC revealed a platform called M-Trix, based on the Saab platforms they had acquired from Saab in 2009/10. More importantly, they revealed the cars and concepts that will ride on this platform: the C70G sedan, the C51X crossover, the C60F sedan and the C50E sedan.
BAIC C70G
Beijing Auto revealed the C70G making its official debut at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. Production of the C70G will start on September 30th, & will then be launched later in the fourth quarter of this year. The C70G will be powered by a reworked Saab 2.0 turbo unit, that has been tuned to produce 206bhp. The engine, designated B205/235, is based on Saab turbocharged technology. Former GM director of engine technology and now consultant for BAIC, Donald Grey stated that BAIC's engine technology was state-of-the-art by international standards. The new engine reportedly boasts exceptionally strong low-to mid-speed torque, producing 300 Nm at 1,800 revolutions per minute and 153kW at 5,500 revolutions.
BAIC C60F
C60F is smaller than the C70G. According to a Beijing Auto, the C60F would be available for sale starting next year, thanks to a positive reception at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show.
BAIC C50E
C50E with some aggressive styling, huge spoiler and four exhaust pipes seem to indicate it will be a “sporty” car. There is no information on the engine that will power this car. According to BAIC the C50 is an A class (small) sedan and its production will start by December this year.
BAIC C51X
The C51X is similar in size to Honda CRV. Its design is sober and there’s nothing too outlandish like one would find in a typical concept car. This could mean this SUV is actually close to production, although there’s been no word on when that might happen.
BAIC C90L
The C90L rides on a different platform than the above and actually uses a Mercedes E-class platform.. The large 5.2m executive sedan eyes the profitable and growing luxury segment in China. This segment has long been dominated by German brands, and very few local brands even attempted to make an incursion into it. C90L will reportedly sport a V12 engine. The C90L is one of the first results of Beijing’s move to hire Leonardo Fioravanti to lead their design team. He is an Italian designer who worked for Pininfarina for 24 years and is now CEO of his own design firm, Fioravanti S.r.l.