THE Beijing Auto Industrial Corporation (BAIC) plant at Coega Industrial Development Zone has started operations, according to a news update posted on the company’s website on 7 March.
“The X55 production has been fully launched, with sufficient spare parts and guaranteed market demand,” the company said. “As a brand-new red X55 vehicle drove off the final inspection line, BAIC SA’s new year production got into full swing.”
“In the production process of the X55, BAIC SA pays special attention to preparing spare parts and continued inventory management. BAIC SA is well aware of the importance of aftersales service to consumers, so it ensures sufficient spare parts inventory and delivers a continuous supply of spare parts to dealers in a timely manner to respond to consumer repair and maintenance needs.
“BAIC SA was established in 2016 as a joint venture between China’s BAIC Group and South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). In June 2023, the construction of the BAIC SA factory was fully completed, and the three significant processes of welding, painting, and final assembly were fully integrated, genuinely possessing CKD production capacity.
“Starting from the first working day of the new year, BAIC SA fully launched the production of the X55 model. Every employee is diligent and responsible, carefully selecting and assembling every component to ensure every car meets BAIC’s high-quality standards.
“The X55, launched as a family SUV, is mainly aimed at the South African market. This car won the honour of “Best South African Compact Family SUV of the Year” in 2023 and the “2023 Reader’s Choice Award” from Top Gear. Furthermore, this vehicle was appointed the officially designated service vehicle for the 2023 BRICS Summit, along with another product from BAIC SA, the B40 Plus.
“In the future, BAIC SA will continue to pay attention to market demand and consumer feedback, continuously optimise production and aftersales service to meet the growing demand of the South African and African markets, and make positive contributions to the pursuit of a better life for the people,” the company said.
Last week the Eastern Cape premier’s office said it had welcomed a delegation led by the vice governor Dr Lu Shan from Zhejiang Province, China, to Gqeberha. According to the premier’s office, the delegation was on a “productive working visit… as both provinces explore opportunities for collaboration, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and engage key stakeholders in the Eastern Cape’s thriving economy”.
