Beijing 2024: BAIC X55II, BJ40 Plus shown in China – CKD locally assembled SUV in Malaysia in 2025
Joining the extensive exhibitor presence at Auto China 2024 in Beijing is BAIC, which is showcasing the X55 II and BJ40 Plus SUVs at the auto show. These models are noteworthy because they are not only sold in Malaysia but also locally assembled (CKD) in Melaka.
Of these, the X55 II seems a little closer to the reality of the Malaysian market as the example on display at Auto Beijing is a right-hand drive car, while the BJ40 Plus on the exhibition stand is still a left-hand drive car. .
Badging for the X55 II will change when it enters Malaysia, where the ‘Beijing’ lettering seen on the car shown here will make way for the BAIC brand for our market. As a B-segment SUV, this model will compete with rivals such as Proton X50 and Chery Omoda 5among others.
Next, the BJ40 Plus is an SUV model with a more traditional off-road style with a more square, straight shape and a variety of colors. Jeep Wrangler to its silhouette. Does the prefix look familiar? That would be the sample code for the formation of one long-standing Japanese lineage.
While the X55 II B-SUV in China is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a capacity of 188 horsepower/305 Nm combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the BJ40 Plus in foreign markets like the United Arab Emirates is equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine. The petrol engine is rated to produce 250 PS and 350 Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
For Malaysia, the said local assembly plant will be in Pegoh, Melaka, where the new facility will be established over several phases by EP Manufacturing (EPMB) with over RM100 million committed to the project.
Once completed, the Pegoh plant will have the capacity to produce up to 30,000 vehicles per year and is expected to create 1,000 job opportunities in the state. In addition to the BAIC duo, the EPMB plant in Pegoh is also expected to assemble vehicles for Great Wall Motor.
BAIC X55 II
BAIC BJ40
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