According to a Reuters report, Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) will start assembling its B30 off-road SUV in South Africa’s Eastern Cape from January, a move that underscores the company’s ambition to strengthen its foothold in the region.
Chinese automakers are increasingly looking to Africa as global headwinds intensify. A bruising price war in China and tougher trade rules in Europe and the United States have prompted brands such as BAIC, BYD and Chery—now among 18 Chinese marques active in South Africa—to seek growth in emerging markets.
BAIC’s Gqeberha facility currently produces the B40 Plus and Beijing X55 Plus SUVs. The new B30 will be offered in petrol and hybrid versions and assembled using a completely knocked-down (CKD) process, which involves building vehicles from numerous smaller components to maximise local content. This represents a shift from the semi-knocked-down (SKD) approach used for existing models, which relies on large, pre-assembled imported parts.
Industry giants like Toyota and Ford have long urged new entrants to deepen local manufacturing, aligning with South Africa’s automotive masterplan to produce 1.4 million vehicles annually by 2035 and boost domestic supply chains.
At the launch event, BAIC South Africa CEO Yang Yixin reaffirmed the company’s commitment: “We will continue to roll out new models while steadily expanding local production and creating value.”
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the collision repair industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the African automotive sector forward.
More From News
Tiny Car Accessories, Serious Crash Risks
Decorative steering wheel accessories may appear harmless, but safety warnings and medical reports show they can become dangerous projectiles during airbag deployment, causing severe injuries in crashes.
South Africa’s AutoGas Sector Moves Into Focus With First Dedicated Industry Workshop
South Africa's first dedicated AutoGas Workshop will bring together industry stakeholders, technical professionals and fleet operators to explore the opportunities and challenges of LPG as a cleaner transport fuel.
Rising Vehicle Technology is Changing the Repair Landscape in South Africa
South Africa’s vehicle repair sector is facing increasing complexity as advanced driver assistance systems and digital technologies become standard across the car parc, reshaping workshop requirements and repair processes.
EU Backs Tougher Circular Economy Rules for Cars
The European Parliament has approved new circular economy regulations that will require vehicle manufacturers to improve recyclability, increase recycled material use and strengthen end-of-life vehicle responsibility.
Young Hyundai Technician Plays Key Role in Building Commercial Vehicles
Hyundai Automotive South Africa assembly technician Kwanele Sibisi has contributed to the production of more than 2,000 commercial vehicles, demonstrating the skill and dedication required in modern vehicle manufacturing.
PPG Extends WorldSkills Europe Partnership to Back Car Painting Talent
PPG has renewed its partnership with WorldSkills Europe for a further two years, reinforcing its commitment to vocational training and supporting the next generation of automotive refinishing professionals.