CKD BAIC cars in Malaysia are coming; Chinese 'Jeep' & X70-sized SUVs planned, then BEVs
Sanjay · Apr 16, 2024 09:50 AM
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BAIC BJ40P (left), BAIC X55 II (right)
EP Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (EPMB) and China-based BAIC International Development Co. Ltd. (BAIC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) spanning 10 years to locally-assemble (CKD) a range of the brand's vehicles here.
In Berita Harian's report dated 16-April 2024, the terms of the agreement will see EPMB through its wholly-owned subsidiary Peps-JV (Melaka) Sdn Bhd will carry out the local assembly (CKD) of BAIC vehicles.
The first step will see the production of cars like the BAIC BJ40P and X55 II SUVs. This will be the first step; future right-hand drive internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs) are also in the pipeline beginning 2025.
BAIC is already present in Indonesia and Brunei, as of now.
The BJ40P is an off-roader of sorts, coming with its own Jeep aspirations of a blocky styling and part-time all-wheel drive. It has the numbers that count, at least on face value, with a water wading depth of up to 600 mm and a 220 mm ground clearance.
Power comes from a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, ekeing out 250 PS and 350 Nm that's sent to all four-wheels (4WD) through a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Inside, it comes with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment screen (no Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay though, just MirrorLink), and dual-zone air-cond as standard fare.
On the other hand the X55 II SUV is for those keeping things clean on the road. Sized therabouts of a Proton X70, it's a five-seater that's powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder mill, making 187 PS and 275 Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Comfort features within encapsulate digital screens for driver readout and infotainment, as well as a full ADAS suite for the topmost variant in China.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
