Chinese carmaker BAIC Group unveiled a new brand this week to help focus its sales and marketing drive across the group.
The state-owned company said the 'Beijing' brand is based on the product and technology resources of BAIC Group subsidiaries such as Beijing Electric Vehicle and BAIC Motor. It will not apply to its joint ventures with Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai Motor.
Beijing Electric Vehicle, also known as BJEV, is one of the leading Chinese manufacturers of electric vehicles – with more than 1 million units sold in the last ten years. The company has increased its R&D expenditure this year to help bring six new battery-powered cars to market by 2021, built on three new platforms.
BAIC Motor is also an important vehicle manufacturer in the country, with brand such as Beijing Jeep, Beiqi, Foton, Senova and Wiewang. It has also acquired overseas auto brands such as Saab and Borgward.
BAIC Group said the Beijing brand will be its most important passenger car platform and will be used for conventional internal combustion engine vehicles as well as new energy vehicles.
Two new Beijing-branded vehicles were launched at the event this week, the EU7 electric sedan and the concept SUV Illuminate.

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