Russia and BAW: Possible Deal on Passenger Car Sales in St. Petersburg
Recent reporting indicates a potential collaboration between a local Rolf dealer and the Chinese automaker Beijing Automobile Works Co., Ltd. (BAW). The plan envisions a staged approach: first, establishing a steady supply of passenger cars, and if demand grows, initiating local assembly of BAW vehicles in St. Petersburg. This approach would allow the brand to enter the Russian market through a phased rollout that tests demand and builds local capability gradually.
Founded in 1958, the Beijing BAW Automobile Plant manufactures a diverse range of vehicles, including SUVs, pickups, minivans, light trucks, and special vehicles. The company also produces equipment used by the military. In Russia, BAW currently operates as a distributor of commercial vehicles, and there has been no passenger car supply from the brand to date. The current discussion centers on whether BAW passenger cars could join the Russian market via a partner network and, eventually, through local production in St. Petersburg.
Note: this material reflects ongoing industry speculation and represents views circulating in business and automotive circles in Russia.
Expert opinion
Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of the automotive magazine Behind the Wheel, commented on the situation. He suggested that if the two parties reach an agreement, sales could begin within the year. Kadakov expressed a personal interest in the BAW BJ212, noting it as a modern evolution of the classic BAW brand. He pointed out that the vehicle family has previously seen updates such as a Mitsubishi 2.4-liter turbocharged engine variant, delivering around 211 horsepower. Kadakov observed that in China the BJ212 sells for roughly one million rubles, while in Russia the price could be significantly higher due to import and local assembly considerations.
Additional reading on the topic can be found through automotive media discussions and industry reports published in major outlets.
Source: Vedomosti