Recently, Wang Jianhui, Vice President of BAIC Group and Chairman of BAIC South Africa, warmly welcomed a South African media delegation. He highlighted that BAIC South Africa is a key project in response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and South Africa’s Automotive Industry 2035 Plan. It is also BAIC’s first complete vehicle manufacturing base overseas. Wang hopes that the South African media will help showcase BAIC's international development achievements to Africa and the world.
During the visit, the media delegation toured BAIC's off-road vehicle factory, learned about the production process, and test drove core models including the BJ30 Magic Core Electric Drive, the new BJ40 Magic Core Electric Drive, and the BJ60 Thunder. The media representatives praised the performance of BAIC's off-road vehicles, commending the company's manufacturing capabilities and the rapid development of China’s auto industry. They look forward to BAIC introducing more innovative products to bring more excitement to the South African and African automotive markets.
Since its establishment, BAIC South Africa has attracted significant attention from both governments and played an important role in boosting South Africa’s economy, tax revenue, and employment. Currently, BAIC South Africa operates a marketing center in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, and has 53 dealerships and over 70 service stations across South Africa and neighboring countries including Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. BAIC's brand is highly regarded among local consumers, and its products have received widespread praise. In 2023, the X55 (Magic Cube) won the "Best Family SUV" award and the "2023 Reader’s Choice Vehicle" award from TOP GEAR. The X55 and BJ40PLUS also served as official vehicles for the BRICS Summit. At the recent Johannesburg International Motor Show, BAIC South Africa showcased the updated X55PLUS and the rugged B40 PLUS 8AT, attracting significant attention.
With the 2024 Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation marking a new chapter in building the China-Africa community with a shared future, BAIC will continue to push forward with its international strategy. The company aims to use its South African operations as a key hub for its global expansion, setting an example for the Belt and Road Initiative and China-South Africa cooperation, and injecting new energy into building a high-level China-Africa community.