Former Nissan seller UMC partners with China brand BAIC

Universal Motors Corporation (UMC), the former distributor of Nissan commercial vehicles in the country before Nissan Philippines Inc., is now the official importer and distributor of BAIC vehicles, a Chinese-made automobile line.   The Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) is one of the five largest domestic car brands in China and is owned by motoring mammoth the Beijing Automotive Group of China (BAGC). The group has partnered with UMC’s subsidiary, the Bayan Automotive Industries Corporation (Bayan Auto). UMC's showroom is located at 2332 Don Chino Roces, Pasong Tamo in Makati. The facility will also serve as the “temporary showroom” of BAIC.

Launching at PIMS

BAIC is expected to debut in the country by showcasing their fleet of vehicles at the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) this coming September 18-21 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Below are some of the initial car models that BAIC is expected to offer in the country: Foton, another Chinese automotive maker who produces commercial and passenger vehicles, is also a subsidiary of BAGC.

BAIC X424

The BAIC X424 is a military-type off-road SUV that looks similar to the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ Cruiser. It uses a Mitsubishi based 2.4 liter engine coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and is expected to be priced at P1,798,000.

BAIC BJ5030

A low priced, low ownership cost passenger van which was inspired by the previous generation of the Toyota Hiace. This van is equipped with a 2.8 liter diesel engine that is capable of spurting 91 horsepower and 174 Nm of torque and runs on a 5-speed manual transmission.

BAIC A523 Senova

A large sedan, which is expected to be placed in the executive sedan class. Its P2,3899,000 price tag speaks for itself.

BAIC A113

This line of subcompact car has a sedan and hatchback variant much like the Mitsubishi Mirage and Ford Focus. Depending on its configuration and engine it can cost between P650,000 and 800,000.

** Photos of Buick models are courtesy of BUIC Philippines FB Page