BAIC Seeks To Acquire US, European Brand

by Cameron Aubernon

April 4th, 2014 7:05 AM

Looking to expand its global presence beyond its native China, Beijing Automotive Group announced they would like to acquire a “mid to high-level brand” in either Europe or the United States, and already has a list of potential brands in mind.

Reuters reports BAIC originally looked towards Europe for their potential acquisition, but has now expanded their search to the U.S. President Dong Haiyang told reporters that his company’s brand is little-known outside of China, and sees a European or American brand as a shortcut into the global marketplace.

At home, BAIC purchased two smaller rivals in 2013, and signed a joint investment agreement with Daimler AG last month, delivering $5.51 billion into their joint venture in order to double production by 2015.

#Acquisitions #BAIC #Europe #GlobalMarket #High-levelBrands #Mid-levelBrands #UnitedStates

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8 of 53 comments

Blowfish on Apr 04, 2014

http://www.carsguide.com.au/news-and-reviews/car-reviews-road-tests/2014_foton_tunland_ute_review_81412_20140116 looks like the Indians will be surrounding the GM, Ford, Toyota, Nissan wagens soon. Is not going to be long before they head to our shore I guess.

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- Big Al from Oz on Apr 04, 2014
  
  @blowfish As much as many of us don't like, the Chinese and Indians will catch up. The Chinese in particular are catching up rapidly. They are buying technology and processes from us. We can block their products or out compete. I'd rather us try and out compete as this is better for the consumer. Some on this site stick their heads in the sand and pretend that it is impossible for these countries to ever amount too very much with an attitude similar to the infamous air of 'French Arrogance'. They will catch up and if we are not careful overtake us. We must compete fairly. If we don't we'll end up with the second rate products one day.
  
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- Luvmyv8 on Apr 05, 2014
  
  @Big Al from Oz True enough. Case in point; Korea. They've come a long way since the Hyundai Excel and Kia Sephia.....
  
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Old Man Pants on Apr 06, 2014

Cozy Coupe?

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- Athos Nobile on Apr 06, 2014
  
  I think that one is still made in the US.
  
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- Stumpaster on Apr 06, 2014
  
  Bingo! Though I was thinking Polonez.
  
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Athos Nobile on Apr 06, 2014

I don't see GM upsetting SAIC by selling them a brand, but could happen. The US have plenty of brands that could be used. Same goes for Europe. The 2 Swedish brands are already controlled by the Chinese. I don't see why BAIC couldn't just buy Geely or the owners of NEVS and start from there. As it sits, I see the effort being put forward by QOROS as the most promising one.

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Scoutdude on Apr 06, 2014

I'm sorry but I just don't see any US brands that still have enough brand recognition that the current owners would be willing to sell. GM isn't going to give up Saturn, Olds or Pontiac and of them only Olds could have been considered mid market and it has been gone long enough that it is of little value. Plymouth was bottom of the barrel and gone long enough and had such a small presence for a long time before they were axed that it isn't worth anything, though I could see Fiat selling it if they could. Mercury is the closest as far as freshness and being considered mid market but I don't see Ford parting with it.

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