Beijing Auto to produce first Saab-based model this year
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China's Beijing Auto will start selling its first model based on the old Saab 9-5 platform later this year. The company purchased the technology from the recently-bankrupt Swedish automaker in 2009.
The C70G midsize sedan, which made its debut at last month's Beijing auto show, is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. It is 4860 mm (191.33 inches) long, 1820 mm (71.65 inches) wide and 1641 mm (64.60 inches) tall, according to BAIC.
It is scheduled to go on sale in the fourth quarter.
The car's main competitors include the Buick New Regal and the Mazda6. The vehicle's price has not yet been announced.
BAIC plans to launch a complete product lineup based on the Saab 9-5 platform -- known as the M-trix platform within BAIC -- over the next few years.
BAIC, headquartered in Beijing, is a state-owned company. It has joint ventures with Hyundai Motor and Daimler.
An electric variant is expected to go on sale by the end of this year according to media reports.
Automotive News Europe contributed to this report
