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'''Baojun''' ({{zh|s=宝骏|t=寶駿|p=Bǎojùn|l=Treasured Horse}}<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/08/09/gm-launches-china-only-baojun-brand/ | title=GM Launches China-Only Baojun Brand | publisher=News Corporation | work=foxnews.com | date=9 August 2011 | access-date=27 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424095128/http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/08/09/gm-launches-china-only-baojun-brand/ | archive-date=24 April 2016 | url-status=dead }}</ref>) is a Chinese [[automobile]] [[marque]] owned by a joint venture of [[General Motors]] and [[SAIC Motor]], [[SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile]].
'''Baojun''' ({{zh|s=宝骏|t=寶駿|p=Bǎojùn|l=Treasured Horse}})<ref>{{cite web |date=9 August 2011 |title=GM Launches China-Only Baojun Brand |url=http://www.foxnews.com/auto/gm-launches-china-only-baojun-brand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424095128/http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/08/09/gm-launches-china-only-baojun-brand/ |archive-date=24 April 2016 |access-date=27 April 2016 |work=[[Fox News]] |publisher=News Corporation}}</ref> is a Chinese [[automobile]] [[marque]] owned by a joint venture of [[General Motors]] (GM) and [[SAIC Motor]], [[SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile]]. The brand was created as a more affordable alternative to existing GM brands such as [[Chevrolet]] and [[Buick]] for the Chinese market, while being more upmarket than the [[Wuling Motors|Wuling]] brand.


== History ==
== History ==
The Baojun marque was established in 2010 as a cheaper alternative to existing GM brands [[Chevrolet]] and [[Buick]], which are also on sale in China.<ref name="autoblog1">{{cite web |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/gms-new-low-cost-brand-in-china-is-a-treasured-horse |title=GM launches new low-cost brand in China and it's a 'treasured horse' |author=Ramsey, Jonathon |date=July 19, 2010 |publisher=Autoblog |access-date=December 1, 2010}}</ref> The company's products compete with domestic Chinese manufacturers such as [[Chery Automobile|Chery]], [[Geely Automobile|Geely]], [[Changan Automobile|Changan]], [[Haval (marque)|Haval]] and [[Trumpchi]].<ref name="reuters">{{cite web | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/china-autos-idUSL3E8MI0BN20121118 | title=GM ups capacity in no-frills China car market | publisher=Thomson Reuters | work=reuters.com | date=Nov 18, 2012 | access-date=November 23, 2012 | author=Shirouzu, Norihiko}}</ref>
Following the success of [[Wuling Motors|Wuling]], the SAIC-GM-Wuling announced the creation of a second car brand, Baojun in November 2010 as a cheaper alternative to existing GM brands [[Chevrolet]] and [[Buick]], which are also on sale in China.<ref name="autoblog1">{{cite web |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/19/gms-new-low-cost-brand-in-china-is-a-treasured-horse |title=GM launches new low-cost brand in China and it's a 'treasured horse' |author=Ramsey, Jonathon |date=July 19, 2010 |publisher=Autoblog |access-date=December 1, 2010}}</ref> The company's products compete with domestic Chinese manufacturers such as [[Chery Automobile|Chery]], [[Geely Automobile|Geely]], [[Changan Automobile|Changan]], [[Haval (marque)|Haval]] and [[Trumpchi]].<ref name="reuters">{{cite web | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/china-autos-idUSL3E8MI0BN20121118 | title=GM ups capacity in no-frills China car market | publisher=Thomson Reuters | work=reuters.com | date=Nov 18, 2012 | access-date=November 23, 2012 | author=Shirouzu, Norihiko}}</ref>


The marque's first vehicle is the [[Baojun 630]], a four-door sedan that has been produced since November 2010.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 22, 2010|title=First Baojun 630 Passenger Car Rolls Off Line at SAIC-GM-Wuling|url=http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Nov/1122_Baojun|access-date=December 1, 2010|work=GM Media}}</ref> Sales started in late 2011 through a dedicated dealer network.<ref>[http://wot.motortrend.com/gm-launches-new-baojun-auto-brand-in-china-105319.html Motor Trend 9 August 2011]</ref>
The first Baojun model introduced to the market was the four-door compact sedan 630, which debuted at a price point of approximately $7,000 USD in November 2010. The development of the Baojun 630 involved significant input from designers at General Motors.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 22, 2010 |title=First Baojun 630 Passenger Car Rolls Off Line at SAIC-GM-Wuling |url=http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_gm.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Nov/1122_Baojun |access-date=December 1, 2010 |work=GM Media}}</ref> Sales started in late 2011 through a dedicated dealer network.<ref>[http://wot.motortrend.com/gm-launches-new-baojun-auto-brand-in-china-105319.html Motor Trend 9 August 2011]</ref> The joint venture also offered a localized version of the [[Daewoo Matiz]] / Chevrolet Spark, known as the Baojun Lechi.<ref name="reuters" /> In 2014, a third model (the [[Baojun 610]]) was announced at [[Auto China]].<ref>{{cite web|date=20 April 2014|title=General Motors Announces Investment Plans and Vision for China Operations|url=http://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2014/Apr/0420_announces.html|access-date=18 July 2015|work=media.gm.com|publisher=General Motors}}</ref> At [[Auto Shanghai]] in 2015, the company introduced the [[Baojun 560]] SUV.<ref name="GM_China_2015-04-20" /> In July 2014, SAIC-GM-Wuling launched the [[Baojun 730]], a seven-seater MPV.<ref>{{cite web|date=30 July 2014|title=SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches Baojun 730 Family Vehicle|url=http://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2014/July/0730_baojun.html|access-date=17 July 2015|website=Media GM}}</ref>
[[File:Baojun 510 front.jpg|thumb|The [[Baojun 510]] is the most successful Baojun model, with over 700,000 units sold in two years.]]
Baojun sold 688,390 vehicles in 2016.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2015/07/29/meet-gms-secret-weapon-in-china-baojun/#5ca26eaa39ae Meet GM's Secret Weapon In China: Baojun] - Joann Muller, Forbes, 29 July 2015</ref><ref>[https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/06/why-general-motors-continues-to-post-record-sales.aspx Why General Motors Continues to Post Record Sales Results in China] - Daniel Miller, The Motley Fool, 6 January 2017</ref> In late 2016, Baojun introduced its most successful vehicle, the [[Baojun 510]] small SUV, which went on sale the following year.<ref>{{cite web |date=23 November 2016 |title=Baojun 510 Is A Daring New Compact SUV For China |url=https://carnewschina.com/2016/11/23/baojun-510-is-a-daring-new-compact-suv-for-china/#more-76463 |access-date=14 March 2018 |website=Car News China}}</ref> The model helped increase sales of Baojun to 996,629 in 2017.<ref>[http://www.autonewschina.com/en/article.asp?id=17063 GM sales rise 4.4%, top 4 million in 2017 as Cadillac, Baojun shine] - Automotive News China, 5 January 2018</ref> It was the best-selling crossover in China in 2018, and also the best-selling car sold by Baojun.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-27 |title=SAIC-GM-Wuling's Baojun 510 becomes China's top-selling crossover |url=https://www.autonews.com/china/saic-gm-wulings-baojun-510-becomes-chinas-top-selling-crossover |access-date=2020-05-19 |website=Automotive News |language=en}}</ref> {{As of|June 2019}}, nearly 800,000 units of 510 had been sold.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Baojun 510 CVT Product Highlights |url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/vehicles/510/2019.html |access-date=2020-05-19 |website=media.gm.com |language=en}}</ref> It is also notable for being the highest-selling new car nameplate in world's history. It recorded 416,883 sales during its first 12 months in market, the highest of any other car in the world. It took the record from the [[Baojun 560]] which was sold 319,536 units in a 12-month period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gasnier |first=Matt |date=2018-05-17 |title=China 2018 Test Drives: Baojun 510 |url=https://bestsellingcarsblog.com/2018/05/china-2018-test-drives-baojun-510/ |access-date=2022-01-30 |website=Best Selling Cars Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> However, this growth was not sustained, with annual sales declining by an average of 200,000 units in subsequent years.


In April 2016, Baojun began exporting vehicles, with the 630 compact sedan being sold in Egypt and Algeria under the Chevrolet brand as the second generation of the Optra model.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2021-03-16 |language=en |title=GENERAL MOTORS LAUNCHES ITS NEW LOCALLY-MANUFACTURED CHEVROLET OPTRA |url=https://media.chevrolet.com/media/ca/en/chevrolet/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/eg/en/2016/apr/RT50launch.html}}<!-- auto-translated from Polish by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> In 2018, Baojun further diversified its lineup with the introduction of its first electric vehicle, the [[Baojun E100]] microcar, and the [[Baojun 530]] SUV.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2021-03-16 |language=en |title=SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches New Baojun E100 Electric Vehicle |url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2018/June/0612_Baojun-E100.html}}<!-- auto-translated from Polish by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=2021-03-16 |language=en |title=SAIC-GM-WULING LAUNCHES BAOJUN 530 COMPACT SUV |url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2018/Mar/0312_Baojun-530.html}}<!-- auto-translated from Polish by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> The electrically powered Baojun E100, which is only 2.49 meters long, was initially only available in Guangxi from August 2017. Since June 2018, it has been available throughout China with an increased range.<ref name="gm-612100">{{cite web |last= |date=2018-06-13 |title=SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches New Baojun E100 Electric Vehicle |url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2018/June/0612_Baojun-E100.html |access-date=2018-12-31 |publisher= |pages= |language=en |quote= |periodical=Media.gm.com}}</ref><ref>[https://carnewschina.com/2018/02/01/new-baojun-530-suv-china-2/ This Is The New Baojun 530 SUV For China] Auf: carnewschina.com 1 February 2018. (retrieved 28 February 2018)</ref> The 530 SUV was notably the first Baojun vehicle to be marketed globally under the Chevrolet brand. The model's production was also initiated outside of China, including in India under the MG brand as the MG Hector and in Indonesia as the Wuling Almaz. The Baojun 360 MPV went on sale in May 2018.<ref name="gm-510360">{{cite web|title=SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches Baojun 360|periodical=Media.gm.com|publisher=|url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2018/May/0510_Baojun-360-new.html|access-date=2018-12-31|last=|date=2018-05-10|language=en|pages=|quote=}}</ref> Since September 2018, the [[Baojun E200]], an electric microcar, has been sold in China.<ref name="carnewsc-824200">{{cite web |last=Tycho de Feijter |date=2018-08-24 |title=The Baojun E200 Is A Crazy EV From China |url=https://carnewschina.com/2018/08/24/the-baojun-e200-is-a-crazy-ev-from-china/ |access-date=2018-08-24 |website=carnewschina.com |publisher= |pages= |language=en |format= |quote=}}</ref>
The joint venture also offers a localized version of the [[Daewoo Matiz]] / Chevrolet Spark, known as the Baojun Lechi.<ref name="reuters" /> In 2014, a third model (the [[Baojun 610]]) was announced at [[Auto China]].<ref>{{cite web|date=20 April 2014|title=General Motors Announces Investment Plans and Vision for China Operations|url=http://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2014/Apr/0420_announces.html|access-date=18 July 2015|work=media.gm.com|publisher=General Motors}}</ref> At [[Auto Shanghai]] in 2015, the company introduced the [[Baojun 560]] SUV.<ref name="GM_China_2015-04-20" /> And in July 2014, SAIC-GM-Wuling launched the [[Baojun 730|730]], a seven-seater MPV.<ref>{{cite web|date=30 July 2014|title=SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches Baojun 730 Family Vehicle|url=http://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2014/July/0730_baojun.html|access-date=17 July 2015|website=Media GM}}</ref>
[[File:2018 Baojun RS-5 (front).jpg|thumb|The [[Baojun RS-5]] is the first model under the New Baojun strategy.]]
In January 2019, Baojun introduced a new model strategy called "New Baojun," which aimed to provide vehicles with more avant-garde styling and expand its lineup with higher-end models featuring enhanced equipment. Alongside this strategy, the company updated its logo, replacing the previous shield with a horse image, with a minimalist diamond-shaped horse profile. Under this new approach, Baojun introduced a new naming convention for its models: passenger cars were given the prefix "RC," SUVs and crossovers "RS," and minivans "RM." The [[Baojun RS-5]], the brand's fourth SUV, was presented at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2018.<ref name="autocarp-541160">{{cite web |last= |date=2018-11-15 |title=Baojun reveals its fourth SUV: RS-5 |url=http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/baojun-reveals-its-fourth-suv-rs5-41160 |access-date=2018-11-17 |publisher= |pages= |language=en |format= |quote= |periodical=Autocarpro.in}}</ref> In June 2019, the [[Baojun RC-6]] based on the RS-5 was introduced.<ref name="autoroad-96878">{{cite web |last= |date=2019-06-19 |title=Číňané překvapují, levná značka Baojun boduje povedeným designem |url=https://autoroad.cz/zajimavosti/96878-cinane-prekvapuji-levna-znacka-baojun-boduje-povedenym-designem |access-date=2019-06-19 |publisher= |pages= |language= |format= |quote= |periodical=Autoroad.cz}}</ref> In September 2019, the [[Baojun RM-5]] MPV was introduced.<ref name="gmauthor-720205">{{cite web |last=Deivis Centeno |date=2019-07-22 |title=2020 Baojun RM-5 Debuts Next-Gen MPV |url=http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/07/2020-baojun-rm-5-debuts-next-gen-mpv/ |access-date=2019-11-07 |website=gmauthority.com |publisher= |pages= |language= |format= |quote=}}</ref> Baojun presented the [[Baojun RS-3]] SUV at the end of October 2019.<ref name="carbuzz-Forget_T">{{cite web |last=Noah Joseph |date=2019-10-30 |title=Forget The Trailblazer, We Want This SUV From Chevy |url=https://carbuzz.com/news/forget-the-trailblazer-we-want-this-suv-from-chevy |access-date=2019-11-07 |website=carbuzz.com |publisher= |pages= |language=en |format= |quote=}}</ref> In 2020, the [[Baojun E300]]<ref name="gm-200117">{{cite web |last= |date=2020-01-17 |title=Baojun Debuts All-New E300 in Guangxi |url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2020/Jan/0117_Baojun.html |access-date=2020-04-12 |publisher= |pages= |language=en |quote= |periodical=Media.gm.com}}</ref> microcar, the [[Baojun RS-7]]<ref name="gmauthor-019117">{{cite web |last=Deivis Centeno |date=2019-11-26 |title=Brand-New Baojun RS-7 Crossover Leaked In China |url=https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/11/brand-new-baojun-rs-7-crossover-leaked-in-china/ |access-date=2020-02-13 |website=gmauthority.com |publisher= |pages= |language= |format= |quote=}}</ref> and the [[Baojun RC-5]] sedan were introduced.<ref name="elcarroc-El_Bao">{{cite web |last=Jessica Paola Vera García |date=2020-03-12 |title=El Baojun RC-5 será el próximo 'sedán coupé' de GM para China |url=https://www.elcarrocolombiano.com/autos-del-mundo/el-baojun-rc-5-sera-el-proximo-sedan-coupe-de-gm-para-china/ |access-date=2020-03-14 |website=elcarrocolombiano.com |publisher= |pages= |language=es |format= |quote=}}</ref>


Despite these efforts, the "New Baojun" strategy did not result in increased market interest. Instead, the brand experienced a significant decline in demand, leading to the discontinuation of several newly introduced models within just 2-3 years of their debut. This decline was exacerbated by growing concerns over the reliability of earlier models. As a result, the role of an affordable combustion vehicle brand within the SAIC-GM-Wuling portfolio was taken over by the sister brand Wuling.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2024-02-19 |language=en |title=Will Baojun disappear in the future auto market reshuffle? |url=https://min.news/en/auto/3ffc3c44139a96cb728cd30f602aa531.html#google_vignette}}<!-- auto-translated from Polish by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref name=":122">{{cite web|access-date=2024-02-19 |language=en |title=Has Baojun been abandoned by SAIC GM Wuling? Many models are discontinued and no new cars are released. |date=8 October 2022 |url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/HJ6102BD0517J85D.html}}<!-- auto-translated from Polish by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref name=":12">{{cite web|access-date=2024-02-19 |language=en |title=Has Baojun been abandoned by SAIC GM Wuling? Many models are discontinued and no new cars are released. |date=8 October 2022 |url=https://www.163.com/dy/article/HJ6102BD0517J85D.html}}<!-- auto-translated from Polish by Module:CS1 translator --></ref> In 2021, Baojun adjusted its naming strategy by adopting proper names, renaming the RC-5W model as Baojun Valli and the E300/E300 Plus electric hatchback as Baojun KiWi EV.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2021-04-28 |language=zh |title=2021上海车展：BAOJUN新款E300命名为"KiWi EV" |url=https://www.evlook.com/news-38005.html}}<!-- auto-translated from Polish by Module:CS1 translator --></ref><ref name="gmauthor-202107">{{cite web |last=Deivis Centeno |date=2021-07-14 |title=GM's All-New Baojun KiWi EV Driving Range Announced |url=https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/07/gms-all-new-baojun-kiwi-ev-driving-range-announced/ |access-date=2021-08-12 |publisher= |pages= |language= |format= |quote= |periodical=GM Authority}}</ref>
In its early years, sales of Baojun models have grown dramatically, reaching 688,390 units in 2016,<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2015/07/29/meet-gms-secret-weapon-in-china-baojun/#5ca26eaa39ae Meet GM's Secret Weapon In China: Baojun] - Joann Muller, Forbes, 29 July 2015</ref><ref>[https://www.fool.com/investing/2017/01/06/why-general-motors-continues-to-post-record-sales.aspx Why General Motors Continues to Post Record Sales Results in China] - Daniel Miller, The Motley Fool, 6 January 2017</ref> and 996,629 in 2017.<ref>[http://www.autonewschina.com/en/article.asp?id=17063 GM sales rise 4.4%, top 4 million in 2017 as Cadillac, Baojun shine] - Automotive News China, 5 January 2018</ref>


In 2023, Baojun shifted its focus entirely to electrification, phasing out all models from the previous decade except for the city car KiWi EV. The brand renewed its lineup with electric models, starting with the introduction of the small [[Baojun Yep]] SUV, followed by the [[Baojun Yunduo]] compact hatchback later in the year. In 2024, the lineup was further expanded with a larger, five-door alternative to the Yep, named Yep Plus, and a plug-in hybrid and electric SUV, the [[Baojun Yunhai]].
The electrically powered Baojun E100, which is only 2.49 meters long, was initially only available in Guangxi from August 2017. Since June 2018, it has been available throughout China with an increased range.<ref name="gm-612100">{{cite web|title=SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches New Baojun E100 Electric Vehicle|periodical=Media.gm.com|publisher=|url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2018/June/0612_Baojun-E100.html|url-status=|access-date=2018-12-31|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=|date=2018-06-13|language=en|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

The Van Baojun 360 went on sale in May 2018.<ref name="gm-510360">{{cite web|title=SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches Baojun 360|periodical=Media.gm.com|publisher=|url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2018/May/0510_Baojun-360-new.html|url-status=|access-date=2018-12-31|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=|date=2018-05-10|language=en|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

Since June 2018, Baojun has been offering the 530, a 4.66 meter long SUV.<ref>[https://carnewschina.com/2018/02/01/new-baojun-530-suv-china-2/ This Is The New Baojun 530 SUV For China] Auf: carnewschina.com 1 February 2018. (retrieved 28 February 2018)</ref>

Since September 2018, the Baojun E200, an electrically powered microcar, has been sold in China.<ref name="carnewsc-824200">{{cite web|title=The Baojun E200 Is A Crazy EV From China|website=carnewschina.com|publisher=|url=https://carnewschina.com/2018/08/24/the-baojun-e200-is-a-crazy-ev-from-china/|url-status=|format=|access-date=2018-08-24|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=Tycho de Feijter|date=2018-08-24|language=en|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

The Baojun RS-5, the brand's fourth SUV, was presented at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2018.<ref name="autocarp-541160">{{cite web|title=Baojun reveals its fourth SUV: RS-5|periodical=Autocarpro.in|publisher=|url=http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/baojun-reveals-its-fourth-suv-rs5-41160|url-status=|format=|access-date=2018-11-17|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=|date=2018-11-15|language=en|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

In June 2019, the Baojun RC-6 based on the RS-5 was introduced.<ref name="autoroad-96878">{{cite web|title=Číňané překvapují, levná značka Baojun boduje povedeným designem|periodical=Autoroad.cz|publisher=|url=https://autoroad.cz/zajimavosti/96878-cinane-prekvapuji-levna-znacka-baojun-boduje-povedenym-designem|url-status=|format=|access-date=2019-06-19|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=|date=2019-06-19|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

In September 2019, the Van Baojun RM-5 was introduced.<ref name="gmauthor-720205">{{cite web|title=2020 Baojun RM-5 Debuts Next-Gen MPV|website=gmauthority.com|publisher=|url=http://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/07/2020-baojun-rm-5-debuts-next-gen-mpv/|url-status=|format=|access-date=2019-11-07|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=Deivis Centeno|date=2019-07-22|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

Baojun presented the RS-3 SUV at the end of October 2019.<ref name="carbuzz-Forget_T">{{cite web|title=Forget The Trailblazer, We Want This SUV From Chevy|website=carbuzz.com|publisher=|url=https://carbuzz.com/news/forget-the-trailblazer-we-want-this-suv-from-chevy|url-status=|format=|access-date=2019-11-07|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=Noah Joseph|date=2019-10-30|language=en|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

In 2020, the E300<ref name="gm-200117">{{cite web|title=Baojun Debuts All-New E300 in Guangxi|periodical=Media.gm.com|publisher=|url=https://media.gm.com/media/cn/en/baojun/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/cn/en/2020/Jan/0117_Baojun.html|url-status=|access-date=2020-04-12|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=|date=2020-01-17|language=en|pages=|quote=}}</ref> microcar, the RS-7<ref name="gmauthor-019117">{{cite web|title=Brand-New Baojun RS-7 Crossover Leaked In China|website=gmauthority.com|publisher=|url=https://gmauthority.com/blog/2019/11/brand-new-baojun-rs-7-crossover-leaked-in-china/|url-status=|format=|access-date=2020-02-13|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=Deivis Centeno|date=2019-11-26|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref> van and the RC-5 sedan were introduced.<ref name="elcarroc-El_Bao">{{cite web|title=El Baojun RC-5 será el próximo 'sedán coupé' de GM para China|website=elcarrocolombiano.com|publisher=|url=https://www.elcarrocolombiano.com/autos-del-mundo/el-baojun-rc-5-sera-el-proximo-sedan-coupe-de-gm-para-china/|url-status=|format=|access-date=2020-03-14|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=Jessica Paola Vera García|date=2020-03-12|language=es|pages=|quote=}}</ref>

In July 2021, the microcar KiWi EV based on the E300 Plus was introduced.<ref name="gmauthor-202107">{{cite web|title=GM's All-New Baojun KiWi EV Driving Range Announced|periodical=GM Authority|publisher=|url=https://gmauthority.com/blog/2021/07/gms-all-new-baojun-kiwi-ev-driving-range-announced/|url-status=|format=|access-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=|archive-date=|last=Deivis Centeno|date=2021-07-14|language=|pages=|quote=}}</ref>


== Products ==
== Products ==
{{see also|List of Baojun vehicles}}
{{Main|List of SAIC-GM-Wuling vehicles}}

=== Current products ===
=== Current products ===


*[[Baojun KiWi EV]] (2021–present), city car, BEV
*[[Baojun KiWi EV]] (2021–present), city car, BEV
*[[Baojun Yunduo]] (2023–present), subcompact car, BEV, also exported as MG Windsor EV, and Wuling Cloud EV
*[[Baojun Yunduo]] (2023–present), compact car, BEV, also sold as Wuling Cloud EV and MG Windsor EV
*[[Baojun Yep]] (2023–present), mini SUV, BEV
*[[Baojun Yep]] (2023–present), mini SUV, BEV
**[[Baojun Yep Plus]] (2024–present), enlarged variant of Yep
**[[Baojun Yep Plus]] (2024–present), enlarged variant of Yep
*[[Baojun Yunhai]] (upcoming), compact SUV, BEV
*[[Baojun Yunhai]] (2024–present), compact SUV, PHEV and BEV
*[[Baojun Xiangjing]] (upcoming), mid-size sedan, PHEV and BEV
<gallery heights="100">
<gallery heights="100">
File:2023 Baojun Yep.jpg|[[Baojun Yep]]
File:2023 Baojun Yep.jpg|[[Baojun Yep]]
Line 71: Line 57:
File:Baojun E300 20210208.jpg|[[Baojun Kiwi EV]]
File:Baojun E300 20210208.jpg|[[Baojun Kiwi EV]]
File:Baojun Yunduo 004.jpg|[[Baojun Yunduo]]
File:Baojun Yunduo 004.jpg|[[Baojun Yunduo]]
⚫
File:Baojun Yunhai 001.jpg|[[Baojun Yunhai]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 81: Line 68:
** [[Baojun 310|Baojun 330]] (2016–2017), sedan variant of Baojun 310
** [[Baojun 310|Baojun 330]] (2016–2017), sedan variant of Baojun 310
* [[Baojun 360]] (2018–2021), compact MPV
* [[Baojun 360]] (2018–2021), compact MPV
⚫
* [[Baojun 510]] (2017–2021), subcompact SUV, also exported as [[Chevrolet Groove]]
⚫
*[[Baojun 530]] (2018–2021), compact SUV, also exported as [[Chevrolet Captiva]], MG Hector, and Wuling Almaz
* [[Baojun 560]] (2015–2017), compact SUV
* [[Baojun 560]] (2015–2017), compact SUV
* [[Baojun 630]] (2011–2019), compact sedan
* [[Baojun 630]] (2011–2019), compact sedan
** [[Baojun 630|Baojun 610]] (2014–2019), hatchback variant of Baojun 630
** [[Baojun 630|Baojun 610]] (2014–2019), hatchback variant of Baojun 630
⚫
* [[Baojun 510]] (2017–2021), subcompact SUV, also exported as [[Chevrolet Groove]]
⚫
*[[Baojun 530]] (2018–2021), compact SUV, also exported as [[Chevrolet Captiva]], MG Hector, and Wuling Almaz
*[[Baojun 730]] (2014–2021), compact MPV, also exported as Wuling Cortez
*[[Baojun 730]] (2014–2021), compact MPV, also exported as Wuling Cortez
*[[Baojun RC-5]] (2020–2021), compact sedan
*[[Baojun RC-5]] (2020–2021), compact sedan
**[[Baojun RC-5|Baojun RC-5W]] (2020–2021), wagon variant of Baojun RC-5
**[[Baojun RC-5|Baojun RC-5W]] (2020–2021), wagon variant of Baojun RC-5
**[[Baojun RC-5|Baojun Valli]] (2020–2021), wagon variant of Baojun RC-5
*[[Baojun RC-6]] (2019–2021), mid-size coupe sedan
*[[Baojun RC-6]] (2019–2021), mid-size coupe sedan
*[[Baojun RM-5]] (2019–2021), compact MPV
*[[Baojun RM-5]] (2019–2021), compact MPV
Line 95: Line 83:
*[[Baojun RS-7]] (2020–2022), mid-size SUV
*[[Baojun RS-7]] (2020–2022), mid-size SUV
<gallery heights="100">
<gallery heights="100">
File:Baojun 510 front.jpg|Baojun 510
File:2018 Baojun E100.jpg|Baojun E100
File:Baojun 730 II 001 China 2017-04-05.jpg|Baojun 730
File:Baojun E200 IMG001.jpg|Baojun E200
⚫
File:Baojun RC-5W 006.jpg|Baojun RC-5
⚫
File:Baojun RC-6 IMG001.jpg|Baojun RC-6
⚫
File:2018 Baojun RS-5 (front).jpg|Baojun RS-5
⚫
File:Baojun RS-7 001.jpg|Baojun RS-7
File:Baojun Lechi Sanming 01 2022-11-23.jpg|Baojun Lechi
File:Baojun Lechi Sanming 01 2022-11-23.jpg|Baojun Lechi
File:Baojun Lechi Cross China 2015-04-21.jpg|Baojun Lechi Cross
File:Baojun Lechi Cross China 2015-04-21.jpg|Baojun Lechi Cross
Line 106: Line 90:
File:Baojun 310w.jpg|Baojun 310W
File:Baojun 310w.jpg|Baojun 310W
File:Baojun 360 IMG001.jpg|Baojun 360
File:Baojun 360 IMG001.jpg|Baojun 360
File:2021 Baojun 510 (facelift), front 8.3.23.jpg|Baojun 510
File:Baojun 530 facelift 001.jpg|Baojun 530
File:Baojun 560 01 China 2016-04-01.jpg|Baojun 560
File:Baojun 560 01 China 2016-04-01.jpg|Baojun 560
File:Baojun 630.jpg|Baojun 630
File:Baojun 630.jpg|Baojun 630
File:Baojun 610 China 2015-04-10.jpg|Baojun 610
File:Baojun 610 China 2015-04-10.jpg|Baojun 610
File:2018 Baojun E100.jpg|Baojun E100
File:Baojun 730 II 001 China 2017-04-05.jpg|Baojun 730
File:Baojun RC-5 009.jpg|Baojun RC-5
⚫
File:Baojun RC-5W 006.jpg|Baojun RC-5W
⚫
File:Baojun RC-6 IMG001.jpg|Baojun RC-6
File:Baojun RS-3.jpg|Baojun RS-3
⚫
File:2018 Baojun RS-5 (front).jpg|Baojun RS-5
File:Baojun RS-7 001.jpg|Baojun RS-7
File:Baojun RM-5 004.jpg|Baojun RM-5
</gallery>
</gallery>


Revision as of 12:17, 27 December 2024

Baojun (宝骏)
Product typeAutomobiles
OwnerSAIC-GM-Wuling
CountryChina
Introduced2010; 15 years ago (2010)
MarketsChina
Websitesgmw.com.cn/baojun

Baojun (simplified Chinese: 宝骏; traditional Chinese: 寶駿; pinyin: Bǎojùn; lit. 'Treasured Horse')[1] is a Chinese automobile marque owned by a joint venture of General Motors (GM) and SAIC Motor, SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile. The brand was created as a more affordable alternative to existing GM brands such as Chevrolet and Buick for the Chinese market, while being more upmarket than the Wuling brand.

History

Following the success of Wuling, the SAIC-GM-Wuling announced the creation of a second car brand, Baojun in November 2010 as a cheaper alternative to existing GM brands Chevrolet and Buick, which are also on sale in China.[2] The company's products compete with domestic Chinese manufacturers such as Chery, Geely, Changan, Haval and Trumpchi.[3]

The first Baojun model introduced to the market was the four-door compact sedan 630, which debuted at a price point of approximately $7,000 USD in November 2010. The development of the Baojun 630 involved significant input from designers at General Motors.[4] Sales started in late 2011 through a dedicated dealer network.[5] The joint venture also offered a localized version of the Daewoo Matiz / Chevrolet Spark, known as the Baojun Lechi.[3] In 2014, a third model (the Baojun 610) was announced at Auto China.[6] At Auto Shanghai in 2015, the company introduced the Baojun 560 SUV.[7] In July 2014, SAIC-GM-Wuling launched the Baojun 730, a seven-seater MPV.[8]

The Baojun 510 is the most successful Baojun model, with over 700,000 units sold in two years.

Baojun sold 688,390 vehicles in 2016.[9][10] In late 2016, Baojun introduced its most successful vehicle, the Baojun 510 small SUV, which went on sale the following year.[11] The model helped increase sales of Baojun to 996,629 in 2017.[12] It was the best-selling crossover in China in 2018, and also the best-selling car sold by Baojun.[13] As of June 2019, nearly 800,000 units of 510 had been sold.[14] It is also notable for being the highest-selling new car nameplate in world's history. It recorded 416,883 sales during its first 12 months in market, the highest of any other car in the world. It took the record from the Baojun 560 which was sold 319,536 units in a 12-month period.[15] However, this growth was not sustained, with annual sales declining by an average of 200,000 units in subsequent years.

In April 2016, Baojun began exporting vehicles, with the 630 compact sedan being sold in Egypt and Algeria under the Chevrolet brand as the second generation of the Optra model.[16] In 2018, Baojun further diversified its lineup with the introduction of its first electric vehicle, the Baojun E100 microcar, and the Baojun 530 SUV.[17][18] The electrically powered Baojun E100, which is only 2.49 meters long, was initially only available in Guangxi from August 2017. Since June 2018, it has been available throughout China with an increased range.[19][20] The 530 SUV was notably the first Baojun vehicle to be marketed globally under the Chevrolet brand. The model's production was also initiated outside of China, including in India under the MG brand as the MG Hector and in Indonesia as the Wuling Almaz. The Baojun 360 MPV went on sale in May 2018.[21] Since September 2018, the Baojun E200, an electric microcar, has been sold in China.[22]

The Baojun RS-5 is the first model under the New Baojun strategy.

In January 2019, Baojun introduced a new model strategy called "New Baojun," which aimed to provide vehicles with more avant-garde styling and expand its lineup with higher-end models featuring enhanced equipment. Alongside this strategy, the company updated its logo, replacing the previous shield with a horse image, with a minimalist diamond-shaped horse profile. Under this new approach, Baojun introduced a new naming convention for its models: passenger cars were given the prefix "RC," SUVs and crossovers "RS," and minivans "RM." The Baojun RS-5, the brand's fourth SUV, was presented at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2018.[23] In June 2019, the Baojun RC-6 based on the RS-5 was introduced.[24] In September 2019, the Baojun RM-5 MPV was introduced.[25] Baojun presented the Baojun RS-3 SUV at the end of October 2019.[26] In 2020, the Baojun E300[27] microcar, the Baojun RS-7[28] and the Baojun RC-5 sedan were introduced.[29]

Despite these efforts, the "New Baojun" strategy did not result in increased market interest. Instead, the brand experienced a significant decline in demand, leading to the discontinuation of several newly introduced models within just 2-3 years of their debut. This decline was exacerbated by growing concerns over the reliability of earlier models. As a result, the role of an affordable combustion vehicle brand within the SAIC-GM-Wuling portfolio was taken over by the sister brand Wuling.[30][31][32] In 2021, Baojun adjusted its naming strategy by adopting proper names, renaming the RC-5W model as Baojun Valli and the E300/E300 Plus electric hatchback as Baojun KiWi EV.[33][34]

In 2023, Baojun shifted its focus entirely to electrification, phasing out all models from the previous decade except for the city car KiWi EV. The brand renewed its lineup with electric models, starting with the introduction of the small Baojun Yep SUV, followed by the Baojun Yunduo compact hatchback later in the year. In 2024, the lineup was further expanded with a larger, five-door alternative to the Yep, named Yep Plus, and a plug-in hybrid and electric SUV, the Baojun Yunhai.

Products

Main article: List of SAIC-GM-Wuling vehicles

Current products

Former products

  • Baojun E100
    Baojun E100
  • Baojun E200
    Baojun E200
  • Baojun Lechi
    Baojun Lechi
  • Baojun Lechi Cross
    Baojun Lechi Cross
  • Baojun 310
    Baojun 310
  • Baojun 310W
    Baojun 310W
  • Baojun 360
    Baojun 360
  • Baojun 510
    Baojun 510
  • Baojun 530
    Baojun 530
  • Baojun 560
    Baojun 560
  • Baojun 630
    Baojun 630
  • Baojun 610
    Baojun 610
  • Baojun 730
    Baojun 730
  • Baojun RC-5
    Baojun RC-5
  • Baojun RC-5W
    Baojun RC-5W
  • Baojun RC-6
    Baojun RC-6
  • Baojun RS-3
    Baojun RS-3
  • Baojun RS-5
    Baojun RS-5
  • Baojun RS-7
    Baojun RS-7
  • Baojun RM-5
    Baojun RM-5

See also

References

  1. ^ "GM Launches China-Only Baojun Brand". Fox News. News Corporation. 9 August 2011. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  2. ^ Ramsey, Jonathon (19 July 2010). "GM launches new low-cost brand in China and it's a 'treasured horse'". Autoblog. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
  3. ^ a b Shirouzu, Norihiko (18 November 2012). "GM ups capacity in no-frills China car market". reuters.com. Thomson Reuters. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  4. ^ "First Baojun 630 Passenger Car Rolls Off Line at SAIC-GM-Wuling". GM Media. 22 November 2010. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
  5. ^ Motor Trend 9 August 2011
  6. ^ "General Motors Announces Investment Plans and Vision for China Operations". media.gm.com. General Motors. 20 April 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2015.
  7. ^ "Baojun 560 SUV Debuts at Auto Shanghai 2015". media.gm.com (News release). 20 April 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
  8. ^ "SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches Baojun 730 Family Vehicle". Media GM. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  9. ^ Meet GM's Secret Weapon In China: Baojun - Joann Muller, Forbes, 29 July 2015
  10. ^ Why General Motors Continues to Post Record Sales Results in China - Daniel Miller, The Motley Fool, 6 January 2017
  11. ^ "Baojun 510 Is A Daring New Compact SUV For China". Car News China. 23 November 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2018.
  12. ^ GM sales rise 4.4%, top 4 million in 2017 as Cadillac, Baojun shine - Automotive News China, 5 January 2018
  13. ^ "SAIC-GM-Wuling's Baojun 510 becomes China's top-selling crossover". Automotive News. 27 March 2018. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  14. ^ "Baojun 510 CVT Product Highlights". media.gm.com. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  15. ^ Gasnier, Matt (17 May 2018). "China 2018 Test Drives: Baojun 510". Best Selling Cars Blog. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  16. ^ "GENERAL MOTORS LAUNCHES ITS NEW LOCALLY-MANUFACTURED CHEVROLET OPTRA". Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  17. ^ "SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches New Baojun E100 Electric Vehicle". Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  18. ^ "SAIC-GM-WULING LAUNCHES BAOJUN 530 COMPACT SUV". Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  19. ^ "SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches New Baojun E100 Electric Vehicle". Media.gm.com. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  20. ^ This Is The New Baojun 530 SUV For China Auf: carnewschina.com 1 February 2018. (retrieved 28 February 2018)
  21. ^ "SAIC-GM-Wuling Launches Baojun 360". Media.gm.com. 10 May 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  22. ^ Tycho de Feijter (24 August 2018). "The Baojun E200 Is A Crazy EV From China". carnewschina.com. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  23. ^ "Baojun reveals its fourth SUV: RS-5". Autocarpro.in. 15 November 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
  24. ^ "Číňané překvapují, levná značka Baojun boduje povedeným designem". Autoroad.cz. 19 June 2019. Retrieved 19 June 2019.
  25. ^ Deivis Centeno (22 July 2019). "2020 Baojun RM-5 Debuts Next-Gen MPV". gmauthority.com. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  26. ^ Noah Joseph (30 October 2019). "Forget The Trailblazer, We Want This SUV From Chevy". carbuzz.com. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  27. ^ "Baojun Debuts All-New E300 in Guangxi". Media.gm.com. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  28. ^ Deivis Centeno (26 November 2019). "Brand-New Baojun RS-7 Crossover Leaked In China". gmauthority.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  29. ^ Jessica Paola Vera García (12 March 2020). "El Baojun RC-5 será el próximo 'sedán coupé' de GM para China". elcarrocolombiano.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  30. ^ "Will Baojun disappear in the future auto market reshuffle?". Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  31. ^ "Has Baojun been abandoned by SAIC GM Wuling? Many models are discontinued and no new cars are released". 8 October 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  32. ^ "Has Baojun been abandoned by SAIC GM Wuling? Many models are discontinued and no new cars are released". 8 October 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  33. ^ "2021上海车展：BAOJUN新款E300命名为"KiWi EV"" (in Chinese). Retrieved 28 April 2021.
  34. ^ Deivis Centeno (14 July 2021). "GM's All-New Baojun KiWi EV Driving Range Announced". GM Authority. Retrieved 12 August 2021.
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