BAIC expands local assembly, boosting repair sector opportunities

BAIC South Africa has confirmed that its all-new BAIC B30 SUV will be assembled at the company’s Coega facility in Gqeberha. The move marks a major commitment to strengthening the brand’s local manufacturing base while expanding opportunities for the country’s wider automotive and repair industries.

The R11 billion Coega plant, one of the largest investments in South Africa’s automotive sector, already assembles the BAIC B40 Plus and X55 Plus. The addition of the B30 SUV will extend production capacity, sustain hundreds of jobs and provide more long-term work for service, parts and repair specialists across the supply chain.

“Localising the B30 is about more than manufacturing. It’s about investing in people, skills and a sustainable automotive future for South Africa,” says Ameena Hassan, Brand and PR Manager at BAIC South Africa.

The company’s “Build Where We Sell” philosophy supports localisation and aims to strengthen supply-chain resilience while reducing import dependency. “Our Coega facility was built to support long-term growth, and the addition of the B30 underscores our confidence in this market,” Ameena says.

As assembly starts shortly after the vehicle’s launch, the brand expects improved access to spare parts, training, and technical knowledge within the local aftermarket. “Building the B30 locally allows us to deliver vehicles faster, tailor them to local conditions and invest directly in the communities that support us,” Ameena adds.