United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI) is on a roll this year. One of the country’s most prolific automotive distributors has just announced that it is also the official distributor of BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd.) in the Philippines in its exclusive preview for the motoring media, bankers, and dealer partners held at the historic Palacio de Memoria compound in Parañaque City.
BAIC’s dynamic lineup of 5 models of SUVs and crossovers will be lined up for its public debut at the Manila International Auto Show this coming April 4 to 7 at the World Trade Center and the SMX Convention Center.
Members of UAAGI’s executive leadership team and principals from BAIC’s global headquarters were present at the preview event and on display were its five new models: the B40 Ragnar, B80 Wagon, B60 Beaumont (diesel hybrid), BAIC X55 Verve and the X7 Grandeza. BAIC Philippines managing director, Froilan Dytianquin; chief marketing executive, Lyn Manalansang Buena; BAIC brand head and general manager, Christopher David Yu; and its Chairman Rommel L. Sytin were in full force to showcase the features and specs of the said models.
”We are proud to reveal our lineup of the world-class BAIC models and are confident that the Philippine market will appreciate the standout features and design of these first-rate SUVs and crossovers,” said Sytin.
The B40 Ragnar, B80 Wagon, and B60 Beaumont (diesel hybrid) are true body-on-frame, 4-wheel drive adventure SUVs with diesel and gasoline-powered turbocharged powerplants with displacements ranging from 2.0 to 3.0 liters, producing torque figures ranging from 380N-m to 420N-m.
Aside from these, two both gasoline-powered and monocoque-bodied crossovers, the BAIC X55 Verve and the X7 Grandeza were also presented. Both of which have 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engines, producing 305 N-m of torque. Indicative prices for the new models from BAIC Philippines are as follows:BAIC B40 Ragnar P2,400,000; BAIC B60 Beaumont – P3,200,000; BAIC B80 Wagon – P 4,500,000; BAIC X55 Verve P1,400,000 and BAIC X7 Grandeza -P1,700,000.
According to BAIC Philippines, its brand tagline: “Dare to Drive Big” brings to mind the spirit of adventure and the boldness to surpass conventional boundaries. It encapsulates the essence of exploration, discovery, and the courage to embrace new paths and experiences.
The BAIC brand is one of the biggest automotive companies in China, with over 360 sales and service outlets in more than 30 countries worldwide, including Southeast Asia, Central and West Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, as well as Europe. BAIC also ranks 162nd in the Fortune 500 list of companies, and is the third largest automotive company in its native China.
Established in 1958, BAIC vehicles are made in the company’s world-class, fully robotized plants in Shunyi, Beijing. And while both 4×4 and crossover offerings are formidable under the hood, they are likewise stylish and awash in modern comfort, safety, and convenience features. Smart technology features include large touchscreen displays, automatic power tailgates, automatic LED headlamps, cruise control, smart key entry, power-adjustable seats, LCD instrument panels, panoramic sunroofs, and leather seats among others.
For safety, BAIC models also feature multiple airbags, as well as a full suite of advanced electronic driver-assist systems, and sophisticated four-wheel drive systems.
“We are confident that BAIC vehicles, with their cutting-edge technology and exceptional quality, will resonate deeply with Filipino drivers. And we are excited to introduce BAIC Philippines and its full range of robust, modern, and rugged SUV options today, in anticipation of their debut next month at the 2024 Manila International Auto Show. We can’t wait for Filipinos to experience the features and capabilities of these exceptional SUVs firsthand,” Dytianquin, meanwhile, said.
More details about the BAIC Philippines dealership and service network will be announced soon. For more info and updates, visit BAIC Philippines’ Facebook (BAIC Philippines) and Instagram (@baicph) pages.
