Cars from NZ’s newest carmaker spotted ahead of local launch

Chinese carmaker BAIC is in the process of gearing up for its local launch later this week, fronting with two SUVs — an internal combustion engine crossover and a larger hybrid. And amid the build-up, units have started to pop up on newly created dealership sites. 

Examples of the BAIC X55 (shown here in yellow) and BAIC B30 have been spotted in Takanini, Auckland, at the site of one of the brand’s first new dealership locations. 

The pair were parked at a Great South Road location that formerly operated as a dealership for LDV and KGM. The two Inchcape-operated brands vacated the site late last year, and have moved into a smaller location several doors down the road.

CarExpert understands that the fresh BAIC dealership will also be home to two other Chinese carmakers that have recently landed in New Zealand — Leapmotor and Dongfeng (the latter just launched its new Vigo crossover and 007 sedan) — as well as a selection of Peugeot commercials. All four brands are distributed by Armstrong’s. 

BAIC Group is one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers. Founded in 1958, the marque currently sells its cars in more than 90 different countries. Curiously, whilst it has announced plans to launch in New Zealand, there are no current plans for it to launch in Australia.

Shaping up as a rival for the likes of the Chery Tiggo 7 and GWM Haval H6, the BAIC X55 launches in New Zealand with a single powertrain option; a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 138kW/305Nm. 

Standard equipment for the model includes a 10.5-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital cluster, wireless phone mirroring, LED headlights and taillights, and two-tone paint as seen on this bright yellow example. 

The more squared-off B30, meanwhile, is also powered by a 1.5-litre turbo. But in its case BAIC has added a hybrid system, as well as the option of either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The nameplate will be offered in three different trim levels; Elite Adventure, Premium Adventure, and Premium Adventure.

With its additional hardware, the B30 develops 301kW of power and 685Nm of torque. Touted as an off-roader, it boasts a 215mm ground clearance and hill descent. Unlike the similarly styled but unrelated GWM Tank 300, the B30 sits on a monocoque platform as opposed to a traditional ladder chassis platform.

The B30 comes with, amongst other things, a huge 14.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and 1500-litres of cargo area in the boot when the back seats are folded flat.

Beyond a dealership site in Takanini, BAIC is set to have another Auckland location in Epsom, plus sites in Wellington and Christchurch. More dealerships are set to be announced in due course, as well as local pricing for the two new models.