Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC, formerly as Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation) is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Shunyi, Beijing. Founded in 1958,[2] it is the sixth largest automobile manufacturer in China, with 1.723 million sales in 2021.
The company produces and sells vehicles under its own branding, such as Arcfox, Beijing, Foton Motor, Ruili Doda, as well as under foreign-branded joint ventures such as Beijing-Benz and Beijing-Hyundai. It also produces electric vehicles under some of the previously listed brandings, including dedicated EV brands such as Arcfox. Its principal subsidiaries include the passenger car maker BAIC Motor (44.98% share); and truck, van, bus, and agricultural equipment automaker, Foton Motor.[3] A large proportion of sales BAIC's sales is in agricultural, commercial, and military vehicles.
History
BAIC was originally founded in 1958[4] as Beijing Automobile Works (BAW), which found success producing the Dongfanghong BJ760, a vehicle based on the Soviet GAZ-21.[5]
BAIC was one of the top ten most-productive Chinese automakers in 2010. This may be due to subsidiary Beijing Automobile Works and a sustained surge of popularity for Beijing Hyundai products.[6] It reached fifth place by selling nearly 1.5 millions units garnering a market share of more than 8%.[7] 2011 production of 1.5 million whole vehicles made BAIC the fifth largest vehicle-maker in China that year in terms of units manufactured.[8] BAIC remained fifth in 2012, which saw the company make 1.7 million whole vehicles; 30% of production was commercial or heavy-duty products.[9]
Saab technology transfer
After several unsuccessful attempts to buy struggling European automakers in 2009, such as Saab, Volvo, and Opel as well as technology from the American Chrysler, BAIC fulfilled its aim of obtaining valuable Western technology that same year purchasing technology from a former unit of General Motors, Saab Automobile.[10] This allows it to produce older Saab models (but not brand them as Saabs) for sale in China.[11]
The intellectual property bought by BAIC includes the rights to three overall vehicle platforms, Saab 9-3 and Saab 9-5 technologies, two engine technologies, and two transmission systems.[12]
Leadership
Subsidiaries
BAIC BluePark
BAIC BluePark is BAIC Group's subsidiary mainly engaged in the design, research and development and sales of electric automobiles. BAIC BluePark was restructured from its current subsidiary, Beijing Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. (BAIC BJEV). The company currently operate the brands of Arcfox and EV models of Beijing brand.[21]
BAIC Motor
BAIC Motor is the main subsidiary of BAIC Group, it is co-owned by BAIC Group and Beijing Municipal Government.[22] It currently operate the "Beijing" brand.
BAIC Group Off-road Vehicle Co., Ltd.
Brands
BAIC's product line includes passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, military vehicles and agricultural machinery and construction machineryThe Beijing brand is the main passenger vehicle brand of BAIC, operated by multiple subsidiaries of BAIC Group according to different focus. They all share the same BEIJING badges and logos.
- Beijing brand ICE cars, SUVs are operated by BAIC Motor.
- Stelato, Arcfox and electric vehicles of Beijing brand are currently operated by BAIC BluePark.
Beijing
Beijing (北京汽车) is BAIC Motor's major brand, revived in 2020 after BAIC Group discontinued its Senova brand. All the former Senova vehicles were renamed to Beijing brand since then.[25]
Former subsidiaries or brands
BAW
Beijing Automobile Works Co., Ltd. (BAW), which produces light off-road vehicles, trucks, and military vehicles, used to be a subsidiary of BAIC Group but was sold to private sector since 2015.[29][30]
In June 2024, BAIC Group issued a clarification statement. The statement mentioned that Beijing Automobile Works Co., Ltd. and BAIC Group have no equity or property rights relationships.[31]
Senova
BLAC
The Beijing Light Automobile Company (BLAC), until 1988 the Beijing Automobile Factory No. 2, started in the late 1960s when production of the independently developed BJ130 began.
Joint ventures
Like many other peers, BAIC has several joint ventures with foreign automakers—including two with Daimler AG.[36]
Beijing Hyundai
Beijing Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd. is an automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Beijing, China, and is a 50:50 joint-venture between BAIC Motor and Hyundai Motor Company.
Beijing Benz
The Beijing Benz is joint venture between BAIC Motor and German automaker Daimler AG.
Beijing Foton Daimler
Beijing Foton Daimler Automobile Co., Ltd. is a joint venture between Daimler and a BAIC subsidiary, Foton Motor
International investments and holdings
Mercedes-Benz Group (9.98% stake)
- In July 2019, BAIC Group purchased a 5% stake in Daimler (since 2022 Mercedes-Benz Group), which is a reciprocal shareholder in BAIC's Hong Kong listed subsidiary.[38]
- In December 2021, Mercedes-Benz Group revealed in its announcement that BAIC Group has increased its stake of Daimler to 9.98%. According to an agreement between both parties, BAIC has confirmed to not further raise its stake in Daimler.[39]
- In May 2025, BAIC Group, Zhengzhou Nissan (the subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor), and Anhui Coronet Tech formed a three-party consortium, deciding to invest 5 million euros to restart the Spanish manufacturer
Subsidiaries
As of 31 December 2016
- BAIC Investment (97.95%)
- Beijing Hyundai (50%)
- Beijing Beinei Engine Parts and Components (98.975% direct and indirectly)
- Beijing Beinei Motor Spare Parts Sales (100%)
- Beijing Benz Automotive (51%)
- BAIC Motor Powertrain (100%)
- BAIC Hong Kong Investment (100%)
- Zhuzhou (BAIC) Motor Sales (100%)
- BAIC Motor Sales (100%)
- BAIC (Guangzhou) Motor (100%)
- BAIC MB-tech Development Center (51%)
Equity investments
As of 31 December 2016
- Fujian Benz Automotive (35%)
- Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service (49%)
- Mercedes-Benz Leasing (35%)
- Beijing Electric Vehicle (8.5%)
- Hyundai Top Selection U-Car (40%)
- Beijing Hyundai Auto Finance (33%)
- BAIC Group Finance (20%)
Sales
Sponsorship
BAIC Group becomes the main sponsor of Dewa United, a sports club that has three divisions, namely football, basketball, and eSports. This collaboration was announced at the 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). BAIC sees Dewa United as a club with proud achievements and wants to contribute to Indonesia. This collaboration includes financial support and provision of BAIC operational vehicles for Dewa United. BAIC will also place their logo on the jerseys of all teams under the auspices of Dewa United, including football, basketball, and eSports.[58]
See also
- Automobile manufacturers and brands of China
- List of automobile manufacturers of China
- Automotive industry in China
External links
References
- Beiqi to invest 10b yuan in own brand chinadaily.com.cn, 2010-11-17^
- Into the Biac retrieved 2021-08-30^
- For State ownership, see BAIHC Homepage > About Beiqi > BAIHC Information Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Ltd. Official Site.^