BAIC’s C60F concept sedan, aka the old Saab, to hit production in May 2012

Beijing Auto Show | Ash | April 14, 2011 at 10:26 pm

BAIC C60F - On the left

When BAIC took command of the Saab 9-3 platforms in early 2010 it was expected that they would put the cars into production straight away – not so – the plans have been delayed slightly whilst Beijing works on the brand building. According to one CCT insider the Beijing brand has to be ‘just right’ as it will be representing Beijing and thus the whole of China, so it has to get its act together.

The C60F will go into production in May 2012 according to news reports followed by the C70F which will be riding on the Saab 9-5 platform. Work on the C60F is already at 80% according to auto163 reports, another model named the C50F is due for production in July 2012.

It’s not clear what the cars will look like when produced, if they will continue with the Saab design theme or if Beijing Auto will improve them at all with their own design flare. So why launch next year and not this year? Next year is the Beijing Auto Show, and Beijing Auto want the spot light on them rather than on Shanghai Auto’s MG-Roewe efforts.

Ash

Ash came to China at 18 on a whim and never left. Some 10 years later he collected a degree and a family along the way and now focuses his time on watching the Chinese car industry develop. He has witnessed the market change from being minor backyard market in to the world's biggest and most important market for all car manufacturers. You can contact or connect with him via Linkedin by clicking the 'Website' link.