Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation (BAIC) has been around for some time now, releasing vehicles specifically for the Filipino masses such as the BAIC MZ45 and the BAIC M20.
"When we first started four years ago, we only could offer the most practical and affordable models. This allowed us to maximize the effect of the customs duties and tax differential of other ASEAN countries that had zero percent tariffs," said BAIC president & CEO George Chua.
Now, buoyed by the success of their initial models, BAIC is releasing higher-end models to prove that they can compete with more established brands in terms of features, performance, price, and overall cost of ownership.
BAIC is releasing higher-end models to prove that they can compete with more established brands
"In 2018, we are introducing three new models that will certainly grab your attention. They're already all Euro 5 compliant gasoline engines, making them more efficient than any Euro 4 engine,” Chua declares. “We have test driven them to ensure that they are what Filipino consumers want, and (they are) suitable to endure our less than ideal road conditions."
Heading the BAIC revolution is the BJ20 crossover SUV, which at first glance easily strikes one as a baby version of Toyota’s recently discontinued FJ Cruiser line.
"We wanted to have something that will catch your eye, fit your lifestyle and still have that new and fresh look many years down the road, which is really how classic styling is born. A gorgeous-looking drive and built like a tank in the 1.5 liter Euro 5 gasoline crossover and SUV segment,” Chua beams, adding that the BAIC BJ20 starts at P1.148 million.
Heading the BAIC revolution is the BJ20 crossover SUV
Headlight design of the BJ20
A closer look at the wheel of the BAIC BJ20
He next presented the upgraded version of BAIC’s original M20 MPV, the M50S. “Filipinos love MPVs that are not quite as big as a full sized van but enough to carry eight family members in their road trips. The M50S has more space than the M20, with many upgraded features. Prices of the BAIC M50S start at only P638k...actually lower than the M20." (click to find full price list of BAIC Philippines).
The M50S comes in a choice of bench seats or individual bucket seats (with fold-down arm rest) on the second row. A body-on-frame construction affords rigidity, especially when driving on less-than-ideal terrain such as provincial roads. It is powered by a 1.5L gasoline engine delivering 114 horses and 150 Nm of torque under the hood.
Prices of the BAIC M50S start at only P638k
Chua also lifted the wraps on BAIC’s most premium model in the lineup, the M60, whose front fascia has a design cue that’s obviously lifted from Lexus.”This versatile MPV can be used as a mom mobile, executive car with a driver, on road trips with the family, delivery vehicle, and so much more. Compared to the class leader in the MPV category, the M60 is a dream come true.”
Retailing at P998k, the BAIC M60 offers seven seats, push button engine start, keyless entry, antilock brakes with EBD and a reverse camera, all standard equipment. Power comes in the form of a Euro 5-compliant 1.5L turbocharged engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission that propels the rear wheels.
Retailing at P998k, the BAIC M60 offers seven seats, push button engine start, keyless entry, antilock brakes
These are just some of the glimpses into the future waiting for you at the 2018 PIMS. The 2018 Philippine International Motor Show ended on Sunday, October 28th 2018.
