BAIC SUVs join Kiwi market through Armstrong's Group

David Linklater

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BAIC B30 medium-SUV will lead the brand into NZ next year.

BAIC B30 medium-SUV will lead the brand into NZ next year.

  • Two new models – X55 and B30 - to lead the launch in Q1, 2026.
  • Retail outlets initially in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
  • BAIC has been operating since 1958 and is renowned for its SUV models which feature advanced powertrains and off-road capabilities.

We're getting towards the end of the year, but there's time for one more (new Chinese car brand for New Zealand, that is). Armstrong’s Group has announced it's adding BAIC to its distribution portfolio; it launched Dongfeng last week and has held Leapmotor since last year.

BAIC B30.
BAIC is already sold in right-hand drive markets including South Africa and Malaysia.

Armstrong's also distributes Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and Smart, and sells many more brands through an extensive retail network.

State-owned BAIC was founded in 1958 and sells cars under multiple brands in China. It already exports to 80 countries and among its partnerships with other brands, it's the single largest shareholder in Mercedes-Benz.

BAIC products are already on sale in some right-hand drive markets including South Africa, Indonesia and Malaysia.

BAIC X55.
Smaller X55 is more on the urban/soft-roader side of things.

For NZ BAIC will be focused on SUVs, starting with the compact X55 and medium-sized B30.

“BAIC International are excited to announce our collaboration agreement with Armstrong’s," says Mr Wang Jianhui, chairman of BAIC International. "It is a foundational part of our strategy to expand further into Oceania and mature, highly regulated markets. We look forward to providing New Zealanders with a fun and rewarding driving experience in our leading SUV’s and off-road hybrid vehicles."

BAIC enters NZ.
Rick Armstrong and BAIC International chairman Mr Wang Jianhui.

“BAIC is a very strong and large player with segment leading products in its domestic market," says Armstrong's founder and executive director, Rick Armstrong. "As part of our assessments, we have undertaken multiple test drives, both on and off-road, to evaluate first-hand the driving experience in their range of products - and they are outstanding.

"In addition, we have seen their advanced manufacturing capabilities which optimise robotics for quality. Our local BAIC product offering will sit in the heart of the market and provide consumers with a choice of powertrains and capabilities that serve their needs today and tomorrow.”

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