Chinese automaker Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation’s (BAIC) global expansion strategy is moving along swiftly as the brand works to strengthen its position on the African continent.

The manufacturer’s Port Elizabeth plant is scheduled for completion in June this year and according to Tao Li, spokesperson for the BAIC SA project, progress on construction of the site is in line with a revised project plan that was adjusted to make up for the lost construction days.

“We have committed additional financial and human resources to reach the original construction completion date.”

More equipment on the way

At present, the factory now has much of its roof structure in place, and Li also said more equipment was being shipped to Port Elizabeth.

“The manufacturer announced the arrival of the first shipment of equipment for the plant in December – the second shipment of the equipment has also arrived in Port Elizabeth, and the third shipment is being prepared to be shipped to Port Elizabeth from Tianjin Port in China.”

New construction packages out to tender

“We will also announce later this month several new construction packages for SMMEs that will go out on tender.

Li said that the company was also in the process of finalising its dealership network.

“As the completion for the BAIC SA plan draws closer, we will intensify our market and marketing operations. The company has a full-time marketing team in Johannesburg conducting market research in South Africa around the dealership network,” Li concludes.