BAIC: Range of new models set for Beijing show

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The first mid-sized sedan from Beijing Automotive Industry Corp will make its global debut at the upcoming Beijing auto show later this month.

Produced for more affluent local customers than its current compact model, the C70G will hit the market in the fourth quarter this year using technologies acquired from Swedish automaker Saab.

BAIC, the fifth-biggest carmaker in China, bought the rights to Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 models and powertrain technologies at the end of 2009 to develop its own-brand vehicles.

The carmaker said the C70G has inherited the safety, handling performance and sporty genes of the Swedish brand, yet has been redesigned to meet the needs of Chinese customers.

At the upcoming exhibition, BAIC Group will also bring the newly launched +model, the first vehicle that carries the revived Beijing nameplate.

The company previously said that it will roll out more than 20 Beijing-brand passenger vehicles by 2015, including cars of varied sizes and SUVs.

The group also produces Foton trucks, which will also be on display at the Beijing auto show as well.

Its new energy vehicles, the all-electric Beijing E-Series and Foton Midi, will appear at the exhibition as well.

Its self-produced off-road models B40 and B70 will be another highlight of BAIC's display.

BAIC is the partner with German automaker Daimler AG and South Korea's Hyundai Motor. Products from both joint ventures - including the Mercedes-Benz E300L, GLK and Hyundai Yuedong MD, Sonata, ix 35 - will also join the display at the Beijing auto show.

The group seeks to boost sales to 1.8 million vehicles this year, up from 1.54 million units last year.

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