Exciting news: BAIC announces local assembly of B30 SUV at Gqeberha facility

BAIC South Africa has confirmed that the new BAIC B30 SUV will be assembled locally at its facility in Coega, Gqeberha, marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to the South African automotive industry.

The announcement follows the B30’s debut at the Festival of Motoring and comes ahead of its official national launch in November.

Local assembly will commence shortly thereafter, reinforcing BAIC’s strategy to build key models in South Africa and expand the plant’s production footprint.

“Localising the B30 is about more than manufacturing – it’s about investing in people, skills, and a sustainable automotive future for South Africa,” said Ameena Hassan, brand and PR manager at BAIC South Africa.

“Our Coega facility was built to support long-term growth, and the addition of the B30 underscores our confidence in this market and our intention to become a truly local brand.”

Investment

The R11 billion BAIC SA plant at Coega is one of the largest industrial investments in South Africa’s automotive sector. Established as a joint venture between Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd (BAIC) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the facility was officially opened in 2018.

The plant currently assembles the BAIC B40 Plus off-roader and the X55 Plus compact SUV. The addition of the new B30 SUV will increase production capacity and sustain hundreds of local jobs across assembly, logistics, and dealership networks.

BAIC SA also employs and trains local engineers and technicians, contributing to skills development within the Eastern Cape’s growing automotive hub.

Building where they sell

In line with BAIC’s global “Build Where We Sell” philosophy, the localisation of the B30 strengthens the brand’s supply-chain resilience, reduces reliance on imports, and opens opportunities for component sourcing from local suppliers.

“We see South Africa as the gateway to the continent,” added Hassan. “Building the B30 locally allows us to deliver vehicles faster, tailor them to local conditions, and invest directly in the communities that support us.”

Global footprint

Founded in 1958, BAIC Group is one of China’s largest and most established automakers, with joint ventures including Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai in China.

The company produces more than two million vehicles a year across passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and new energy models, exporting to over 50 countries worldwide.

Its growing presence in South Africa forms part of BAIC’s global expansion strategy aimed at developing regional production hubs in key emerging markets.

Pricing for the B30 SUV is said to be between R500 000 and R700 000, depending on the model.