New Chinese Car Brand in SA: BAIC (pronounced Bike)

FiestaST said:
Another new Chinese SUV for SA: BAIC goes mainstream with outstanding and affordable Beijing X55

www.news24.com

Another new Chinese SUV for SA: BAIC goes mainstream with outstanding and affordable Beijing X55 | Life

BAIC, the sixth largest automaker in China, has revived its Beijing tradename with the launch of its value-for-money SUV, the X55, in South Africa.
www.news24.com www.news24.com
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It's a nice car - i'm considering test driving one.

My only concerns are:
1.) Fuel consumption - all the Chinese brands seem to be heavy sippers
2.) No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
3.) Whether the medium / high spec editions are worth the added cash (not sure if a sun roof and some minor bits justify the price increase - if anyone has any feedback here, shout!)
 
Xiaomi Modena design details leak, BAIC revealed as OEM supplier

Xiaomi must be approaching a vital stage in production preparation for its first electric car, codenamed Modena. We have only just been treated to leaked photos of the car undergoing winter testing and now we got a scoop on design details and suppliers.

Despite only launching its automotive business in late 2021, the company is getting ready to launch its first electric car. Initially, Xiaomi was seen testing BYD Han vehicles, sparking rumors it was going to simply rebadge it and sell it as its own EV.

Thankfully, it later turned out, those cars were just mules used just for autonomous driving systems testing. Rather than wait for the first test units of its own EV, the company wanted to speed things up and have the hardware and software ready early.

It clearly pays off, the first units of Modena, - as it’s internally referred to, hit the road a few months ago and already had full ADAS gear. As the production approaches, the list of approved OEM suppliers grows and is put to the Chinese government for approval.

Thanks to that process we get a sneak peak of the design details of the Xiaomi Modena. Sure, for now it’s just the front and rear bumpers but it’s enough to get the idea of the car’s look.

www.arenaev.com

Xiaomi Modena design details leak, BAIC revealed as OEM supplier

Xiaomi Modena is fast approaching, judging by the increased intensity of leaks.
www.arenaev.com www.arenaev.com
 
Beijing BAIC seems to be working very closely with the chinese mobile manufacturers. Their Infotainment unit is running Huawei's Harmony OS, this is their own OS they developed after the Google Services Ban - so there is no support for Google Play Services, etc. It uses some sort of mirroring app that needs to be installed on your phone for it to work...and I suspect Proton is the same as well.
 
Saaj9 said:
Beijing BAIC seems to be working very closely with the chinese mobile manufacturers. Their Infotainment unit is running Huawei's Harmony OS, this is their own OS they developed after the Google Services Ban - so there is no support for Google Play Services, etc. It uses some sort of mirroring app that needs to be installed on your phone for it to work...and I suspect Proton is the same as well.
Click to expand...
How is that going to come back to bite when they sell in countries that are banning Huawei and/or their OS? If their network equipment is spying on you, imagine what their cars are doing...

They should have gone stock Google or Apple.
 
shadow_man said:
This has been the best review I've seen to date.

I'd like to see reviewers review all specs - not just the top one they're given (It's annoying when trying to evaluate mid or entry levels).
Click to expand...

100% agree

Im sick of watching reviews of the GR/AMG/M Series/Hybrid/N model

99% of people are buying the mid range, not the ridiculous top of the spec sheet vehicle.
 
They are fast asleep on the job, they launched around the same time as Haval, but Haval has gone on to be very successful, even Chery that launched just yesterday is doing way better than them.
 
Does it come with or without Chinese signal intelligence spy equipment that calls home when it can find internet access built-in? :)
 
BAIC SA partners with Absa to offer finance for buyers

In a bid to offer premium automobiles at a reasonable cost, BAIC SA has recently announced its latest partnership with Absa. The joint venture between the two entities aims to introduce opulent vehicles to the market that would be accessible to a wider audience.

With a state-of-the-art manufacturing and assembly plant located in the Coega Industrial Development Zone near Gqeberha, BAIC SA is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the country’s auto industry.

Moreover, the automaker’s Beijing X55 model has been named as a finalist in the highly coveted 2023 SA Car of the Year contest, which is a testament to the quality and innovation of the vehicle. Undoubtedly, this news will be music to the ears of the 29 BAIC SA dealers operating across the country, as it is expected to boost their sales significantly.

www.carmag.co.za

BAIC SA partners with Absa to offer finance for buyers

In a bid to offer premium automobiles at an affordable price, BAIC SA has recently announced its latest partnership with Absa.
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
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