ARCFOX 77° concept signals bold new design era for Chinese EVs

BAIC's premium electric vehicle brand ARCFOX unveiled its latest concept car, the ARCFOX 77°, on Wednesday at Auto Shanghai, underscoring the company's ambitious vision for design and innovation.

The concept vehicle, created under the leadership of Anthony Lo, BAIC's vice-president of global design and chief design officer, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the ARCFOX brand, owned by BAIC BluePark New Energy.

"As designers, we thrive on challenges. China is experiencing an explosive era of automotive design, engineering, and speed," said Lo, a renowned automotive designer who once worked for big-name carmakers including Audi, Mercedes, GM, Renault and Ford.

Lo said the ARCFOX 77° is a tangible manifestation of the new ARC-FLOW design philosophy, offering a preview of what lies ahead across the brand's entire vehicle lineup.

The concept, described by Lo as a "showroom model for the future", showcases a futuristic yet practical design language that will influence upcoming production models, including SUVs, MPVs, sedans, and even next-gen battery-swap vehicles.

Lo stressed that concept cars are not only about long-term vision. "They help designers solve immediate challenges through a broader perspective," he explained.

"Most importantly, they serve to define a brand's identity in an increasingly crowded market," he said.

Zhang Guofu, chairman of BAIC New Energy Technology, reiterated the company's strategic focus on brand value and differentiation in an increasingly competitive landscape.

"Developing concept cars is a critical part of our brand-building journey. With Lo's global expertise and design authority, we aim to reshape the visual language of Chinese EVs," said Zhang.

Zhang added that ARCFOX's product planning now covers a robust pipeline of vehicles across multiple segments, with the ARCFOX 77° setting the tone for the brand's second-generation concept lineup.

Zhang said the brand is targeting annual sales of 500,000 vehicles by 2027 as part of a broader strategy to gain resilience and leadership amid the shifting dynamics of the Chinese automotive market.

"Navigating this unprecedented transformation in China's auto industry demands long-term vision and cultural endurance," Zhang said.

"With the ARCFOX 77°, we're making a clear statement about who we are and where we're going."