BAIC presents its new sedan U5 in Mexico expanding its automotive offer.

The Chinese automotive company BAIC has managed to break its launch drought in Mexico with the presentation of its new sedan, the U5. This model, available in gasoline and electric versions, significantly expands BAIC's offering in the Mexican market, which previously was limited to three SUVs. This strategic step highlights the brand's evolution and growth in the country, marking a new stage for the company. The U5 sedan, manufactured in Beijing, China, represents an important milestone for BAIC in Mexico. It is expected that the U5 Plus in its gasoline version will be the best-selling model, with projections to sell up to 2,000 units this year. On the other hand, the electric version EU5 introduces BAIC into the zero-emission vehicles market in Mexico, with the goal of selling just over 300 units before the end of 2024. Eduardo Sáenz, CEO of BAIC in Mexico, has emphasized the importance of this launch, describing it as the beginning of a new era for the brand. Sáenz pointed out that BAIC's presence in countries like Argentina, where the brand is a sales leader, reflects the growth potential and acceptance that Chinese brands can achieve in the international automotive market. BAIC is marketed in Mexico through Motornation, a subsidiary of Grupo Picacho, which also imports and sells other Chinese brands. BAIC's entry into the Mexican market was one of the first moves by Chinese automotive brands in the country, following in the footsteps of FAW in 2007. However, the company acknowledges the challenges of consolidating the brand and improving the perceived quality of its products, especially in after-sales service. One of the key points highlighted by Sáenz is the importance of the after-sales market in enhancing the brand's reputation with customers. The company has focused on improving its logistics to streamline vehicle and spare parts delivery times, importing through multiple Pacific ports to reduce product import times in Mexico. In terms of prices and features, the U5 Plus sedan in its gasoline version offers a 1.5-liter engine with 111 hp, equipped with multiple safety and comfort features. The price of this version varies depending on the transmission, being 299,900 pesos for the manual and 325,900 pesos for the CVT. On the other hand, the electric model EU5 has a power of up to 161 hp, a range of 400 kilometers per charge, and varying charging times. During the first half of this year, BAIC has sold 820 vehicles in Mexico, representing 0.1% of the total market. Compared to the same period last year, the brand has experienced a significant increase in its sales, consolidating its presence in the Mexican automotive market. The arrival of the U5 sedan has been a strategic step for BAIC, which aims to expand its offering and position itself as an attractive option for Mexican consumers in the competitive automotive market.