HIGHLIGHTS
- BAIC to bring its range of SUVs to spearhead launch in New Zealand
- Fortune 500 BAIC has been operating since 1958
- Two new models – X55 and B30 – will lead the launch in Q1, 2026
- Retail outlets will initially be available through the Armstrong’s group in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch before additional outlets are added
Armstrong’s, one of the country’s largest automotive retailing groups, has revealed that a new soft and off-road focused marque will soon be joining their stable of brands.
BAIC, established in China in 1958, will debut early next year with two new models. The initial portfolio will consist of the X55 compact SUV and the B30 medium SUV, with additional models to be added later.
BAIC Group boasts what it says is leading capabilities in product R&D and manufacturing. Its R&D network covers seven locations across five countries, and it has established Vehicle and KD factories in over 30 countries and regions. BAIC Group’s products are now available in more than 80 countries and regions worldwide. It also has manufacturing partnerships with Mercedes Benz and Hyundai in China. BAIC is the biggest single shareholder of Mercedes-Benz, highlighting its strong ties and global influence.
“BAIC International are excited to announce our collaboration agreement with Armstrong’s. It is a foundational part of our strategy to expand further into Oceania and mature, highly regulated markets. We look forward to providing New Zealanders with a fun and rewarding driving experience in our leading SUV’s and off-road hybrid vehicles,” said Mr Wang Jianhui, Chairman BAIC International.
Founder and Executive Director of Armstrong’s, Rick Armstrong, said “BAIC is a very strong and large player with segment leading products in its domestic market. As part of our assessments, we have undertaken multiple test drives, both on and off-road, to evaluate first-hand the driving experience in their range of products – and they are outstanding. In addition, we have seen their advanced manufacturing capabilities which optimise robotics for quality. Our local BAIC product offering will sit in the heart of the market and provide consumers with a choice of powertrains and capabilities that serve their needs today and tomorrow. I have no doubt they will be delighted with what is on offer.”
BAIC products are already on sale in some right-hand drive markets including South Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia.
New Zealand is an important and dynamic market in BAIC’s global strategy,” said Ms Qi Xiaohui, Deputy General Manager of BAIC International. “Our collaboration with Armstrong’s marks a significant step in introducing BAIC’s advanced SUV and off-road technologies to a mature and forward-looking market. We are committed to providing New Zealand customers with intelligent, efficient and reliable mobility solutions that reflect BAIC’s global standards of quality and innovation.”
“The BAIC brand and products are a very exciting addition for us to bring to the market for New Zealanders because of how well their style and utility resonate with our diverse environment. The off-road prowess that BAIC has built over many years is combined with advanced technology and manufacturing expertise in these latest models to deliver an outstanding package for customers seeking capability and adventure,” said Simon Rutherford, CEO Auto Distribution Holdings Limited.
“These credentials have been demonstrated in markets such as in South Africa, where the X55 model won the Compact Family category in the 2023 Car of the Year awards. The X55 won for its overall package value including performance, fuel efficiency, innovative technology and safety and the X55 has also just been updated.”
The company says the arrival of BAIC will provide New Zealand motorists with something to get really excited about – well specified and capable vehicles in core segments that are attractive and advanced. The B30 excels as a soft roader but also shines when tackling off-road conditions.
“I have recently driven both the new X55 Petrol and B30 Hybrid at the BAIC Proving Ground and was very impressed with the torquey and smooth power delivery and all-round capability of the vehicles,” said Shiguang Guo, General Manager BAIC and Group VP for Armstrong’s.
“The vehicles are remarkable and are competitive with established nameplates in the market. We have great confidence that they will deliver both excitement and satisfaction to their future owners because of their overall quality and all-round capability being particularly suited for our outdoors-orientated lifestyle.”
More details of the first two BAIC models, as well as other products from the brand, will be revealed in Q1 of 2026.
