BAIC Group

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, 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. A large proportion of sales BAIC's sales is in agricultural, commercial, and military vehicles. History BAIC was originally founded in 1958 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. This may be due to subsidiary Beijing Automobile Works and a sustained surge of popularity for Beijing Hyundai products. It reached fifth place by selling nearly 1.5 millions units garnering a market share of more than 8%. 2011 production of 1.5 million whole vehicles made BAIC the fifth largest vehicle-maker in China that year in terms of units manufactured. BAIC remained fifth in 2012, which saw the company make 1.7 million whole vehicles; 30% of production was commercial or heavy-duty products. 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. This allows it to produce older Saab models (but not brand them as Saabs) for sale in China. 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. Cars with Saab technology were expected to go on sale in 2012 but didn't debut until May 2013. The first Saab-based model on sale is the Senova C70 or 绅宝 (Shenbao), which may be translated as "gentleman's treasure". BAIC Group sold Beijing Automobile Manufacturing Plant in 2016. In 2016, BAIC Group sold 2.85 million vehicles and had an operating income of 406.1 billion yuan, ranking 160th in the 2016 Fortune Global 500 list. In 2017, BAIC Group ranked 137th on the Fortune Global 500 list. In July 2019, BAIC Group acquired 5% of the shares of Daimler AG (since 2022 Mercedes-Benz Group). In December 2021, BAIC Group increased its stake in Daimler AG to 9.98%, surpassing Geely Group to become the largest shareholder of Daimler AG. In August 2024, BAIC and Huawei's smart car technology ecological alliance "Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance" cooperated to launch the Stelato S9 smart flagship sedan. This is also the first model of BAIC and Huawei's joint brand Stelato. In June 2026, BAIC and Changan Automobile signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two parties will jointly develop autonomous driving technologies, implement joint procurement of components, co-develop new vehicle models, and build overseas sales channels together. The cooperation does not involve equity investment. Leadership Xu Heyi (2007–2020) Jiang Deyi (2020–2024) Zhang Jianyong (2024–present) 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. BAIC Motor BAIC Motor is the main subsidiary of BAIC Group, it is co-owned by BAIC Group and Beijing Municipal Government. It currently operate the "Beijing" brand. BAIC Group Off-road Vehicle Co., Ltd. Beijing Off-road Vehicles (北京越野) used to be a department under BAIC Group, run by the fully owned subsidiary BAIC Group Off-road Vehicle Co., Ltd. In January 2020, BAIC announced the independence of Beijing Off-road brand. BAIC Foton Motor Co., Ltd BAIC Foton, also known as Foton Motor or Foton, is a subsidiary of BAIC Group that designs and manufactures trucks, buses and sport utility vehicles. 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. Beijing Motor will reorganize the product layout of its three major series in 2023. That is to say, it will focus on the main channel of SUVs, supplemented by sedans and crossovers, including multiple levels and multiple power sources. Beijing Off-road Beijing Off-road (北京越野), operated by the fully owned subsidiary, the BAIC Group Off-road Vehicle Co., Ltd., The Beijing Off-road used to be a department of BAIC Motor, but later was acquired back into BAIC Group and independently operated since 2019. Beijing BJ30 (2015–present), compact SUV Beijing BJ30e (2024–present), EREV variant of BJ30 Beijing BJ40 (2014–present), compact SUV Beijing F40 (2019–2023), pickup variant of Beijing BJ40 Beijing BJ60 (2022–present), full-size SUV Beijing BJ60e (2024–present), EREV variant of BJ60 Beijing BJ80 (2016–2025), mid-size SUV Beijing BJ90 (2016–2023), full-size SUV BJEV/Beijing EV With the Beijing Electric Vehicle Co., Ltd. (BAIC BJEV) was reconsolidated into BAIC BluePark, the battery electric vehicle of Beijing brand, like Beijing EU5, Beijing EU7, are also operated by BAIC BluePark at present. Arcfox Arcfox is BAIC's premium EV brand operated by BAIC BluePark, established in 2017. Stelato Stelato is the brand Huawei collaborates with BAIC BluePark, a subsidiary of BAIC Group. Foton Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. (Foton Motor) is a subsidiary of BAIC which designs and manufactures trucks, buses, sport utility vehicles, and agricultural machinery. It is headquartered in Changping, Beijing. Ruili Ruili is a sub-division of BAIC. They produce their vehicles under the Doda brand. Current models Ruili Doda EV160 Ruili Doda V8 (rebadged Joylong iFly) Ruili Doda V2 (rebadged Weiwang M20) 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. 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. 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. Its introduction was slowed considerably by the upheavals of the Cultural revolution. In 1984, assembly of the Isuzu Elf/NHR began (originally as the BJ136, later as the BJ1030/1040/1050 series). In 1988, a new plant for these trucks was built with aid from the Japanese, and petrol and diesel light truck engines were also produced. BLAC went bankrupt in 2002. Changhe In 2012, Changhe Automobile was acquired by BAIC Group and became a subsidiary. Changhe began to introduce new products based on BAIC's platforms. In mid-2022 all products were discontinued and the company's website ceased to be available. Joint ventures Like many other peers, BAIC has several joint ventures with foreign automakers—including two with Daimler AG. 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, which makes commercial trucks. Former joint ventures Beijing Jeep Beijing Jeep Corporation became China's first Sino-western automotive joint venture when it was established in 1984 with American Motors Corporation. Beijing Jeep subsequently became Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co Ltd and then Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd. Huansu Huansu is a brand under Beiqi Yinxiang Automobile, a joint venture between Beijing Auto (Beiqi) and the Yinxiang Group from Chongqing. Weiwang Weiwang is a brand under Beiqi Yinxiang Automobile, a joint venture between Beijing Auto (Beiqi) and the Yinxiang Group from Chongqing. 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. 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. Santana Motor 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 Santana Motor's factory in Linares. Starting from mid-2026, BAIC would sell off-road models the Beijing BJ40 and Beijing BJ30 in Europe under the Santana brand, assembled via SKD (semi-knockdown) at the Spanish factory. 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. See also Automobile manufacturers and brands of China List of automobile manufacturers of China Automotive industry in China References External links Official website (BAICIEC) Archived 2017-06-11 at the Wayback Machine Beijing Automotive Import & Export Corporation (BAW) Beijing Automobile Works Co., Ltd. (BAW)