BAIC's first own-brand sedan may come to market this year

Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC), best known for its partnerships with Hyundai and Daimler, will be looking to enter the own brand market later this year. First among its self-produced passenger cars, the code-named BC301 sedan is predicted to hit the markets soon after being showcased at this year's Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (April 21-April 28), reported auto.sina.com.cn

At first glance, the BC301, which is produced at the company's Zhuzhou production facility in Hunan, looks remarkably close to the Mercedes B-Class. However, analysis of the factory-provided measurements reveals that the sedan's construction is very distinct from the German luxury car.

The car will come in both gasoline- and electric-powered versions, with the former being powered by either a 73kW, 126Nm torque 1.3L or 83kW, 141Nm torque 1.5L engine, produced by the Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi Motors Engine Manufacturing Company.

BAIC hopes to sell over 20 own-brand models within the next five years. The company will also debut its first mid-high class sedan this year. The as-of-yet unnamed sedan, built on recently purchased Saab technology, is expected to be sold in 2012.

Źródło: Gasgoo




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