BAIC has announced that the new B30 will be built right here in South Africa.
The Chinese automaker has a factory in the Coega Special Economic Zone near Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape, which currently produces two other cars – the B40 Plus and the X55 Plus.
The site marks an R11-billion investment from BAIC, making it one of the largest industrial developments in South Africa’s automotive sector.
“The inclusion of the new B30 SUV will expand capacity and sustain hundreds of local jobs across production, logistics, and dealership networks,” said the company.
“In line with BAIC’s global “Build Where We Sell” philosophy, the localisation of the B30 strengthens the brand’s supply-chain resilience, reduces import dependency, and opens opportunities for future component sourcing through South African suppliers.”
The B30 made its first local appearance at the 2025 Festival of Motoring in Gauteng, and is scheduled to go on sale this November, with local manufacturing to begin shortly thereafter.
“Localising the B30 is about more than manufacturing – it’s about investing in people, skills, and a sustainable automotive future for South Africa,” said Ameena Hassan, Brand & PR Manager at BAIC South Africa.
“Our Coega facility was built to support long-term growth, and the addition of the B30 underscores our confidence in this market and our intention to become a truly local brand.”
Built in Mzansi
The B30 is an off-road SUV will be positioned between the B40 and the X55 when it launches in South Africa.
Available in four specifications, the first two models – the LV2 and LV3 – will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 138kW and 305Nm.
These units are front-wheel-drive and use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Alternatively, there’s the LV4 and LV5, which both feature a hybrid powertrain.
The LV4 pairs the 1.5-litre combustion engine with a small electric motor to generate a combined 180kW, which is sent to the front wheels.
Taking things one step further is the LV5, which has even more power and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
This version produces an impressive 301kW and 685Nm, and has a Terrain Management System for venturing off the beaten track.
The automaker has also provided the indicative pricing for the new series, which will start around R550,000 and go up to R700,000 for the flagship LV5.
Loading ...
