Beijing Automobile Works (BAW)

If you think that all Chinese car brands are new, think again. Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) is one of the oldest car manufacturers in China, with a history that dates back to the 1950s. Today, the company is known for producing commercial vehicles, including buses, trucks, and SUVs, but it also has a long history of making cars.

BAW’s origins can be traced back to 1953, when the company was established as the Beijing Automotive Industry Company. The company’s first product was a small truck, which was based on the Soviet GAZ-51. In the following years, BAW produced a variety of vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks.

One of the most interesting cars produced by BAW was the BJ212, which was a military-style SUV that was used by the Chinese military and police forces. The BJ212 was based on the Soviet GAZ-69 and was produced from 1965 to 1981. Despite its military origins, the BJ212 was also sold to civilian customers and became a popular vehicle in rural areas.

In the 1980s, BAW shifted its focus to commercial vehicles, and today it is one of the largest manufacturers of buses and trucks in China. However, the company has not completely abandoned its car-making roots. In 2011, BAW unveiled a new SUV called the Senova D70, which was designed to compete with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Senova D70 was well-received by Chinese consumers, but it never gained much traction outside of China.

BAW has also partnered with foreign car companies over the years. In the 1980s, BAW produced the Jeep Cherokee under license from American Motors Corporation. The company also partnered with Hyundai in the 1990s to produce the Sonata and Elantra for the Chinese market.

Despite its long history, BAW is not a household name outside of China. However, the company has played an important role in the development of the Chinese auto industry and has contributed to the growth of the country’s economy.

If you’re ever in Beijing, keep an eye out for BAW’s vehicles on the road. Who knows, you might spot a vintage BJ212 or one of the company’s modern buses or SUVs. Either way, you’ll be witnessing a piece of Chinese automotive history in action.