From a single model to a brand, Shandong Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group, which holds the Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant, is eager to reignite the dreams and passions of countless off-road enthusiasts with the number 212, representing the off-road spirit of the Chinese people.
It is reported that the 212 off-road vehicle was born in 1965, finalized in 1966, and first used in frontline troops. It is a rugged off-road vehicle manufactured in China that has endured the trials of war, serving as a common memory for several generations.
In December 2022, the 212 brand embarked on a new journey, as the 212 Off-Road Vehicle Co., Ltd. officially launched the 212 brand, achieving a historic transition from a single model to an independent brand.
In 2023, Shandong Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group, which has been listed among the world's top 500 companies for 13 consecutive years, announced its entry into the new energy vehicle industry through its control of Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant.
With Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant as its core, Weiqiao Group established a new energy vehicle division focused on the consumer off-road segment, planning to target the 100,000 to 500,000 yuan vehicle market.
In August 2024, following the brand’s rejuvenation, 212 will launch its first all-new model, the T01, offering three configurations priced between 139,900 and 172,900 yuan. This new model will be produced at the Laixi production base of Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant. In September of this year, the Weiqiao new energy vehicle management headquarters and 212 brand executives opened this factory and the Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant Museum to the media, eager to explore the revival of the 212 brand together.
According to reports, the revival of the 212 brand owes much to the support of Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group. Before entering the new energy vehicle sector, Weiqiao focused on the aluminum and textile industries, and has gradually integrated the production processes from advanced aluminum materials to aluminum components and finally to complete vehicles.
General Manager of 212 Off-Road Vehicle Co., Ltd., Lu Yunran, stated: “With the support of Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group, coupled with the unique historical position and brand appeal of 212 in the Chinese off-road vehicle market, 212 is undoubtedly poised to become a shining pearl in the off-road market.”
It is introduced that the first model following the brand's independence—the 212 T01—integrates several robust off-road configurations, including a non-load-bearing body, front and rear five-link suspension with rigid axles, an intelligent part-time four-wheel drive system, and three locking differentials.
In today's subdivided off-road vehicle market, there are not many domestic brands that can achieve this, which is also seen by 212's leadership as the key to enhancing the market competitiveness and brand elevation of the 212 off-road vehicle.
From the performance parameters, the 212 T01 has approach and departure angles reaching 40° and 36° respectively, a breakover angle of 23.6°, a maximum wading depth of 850mm, and a maximum climbing gradient of 100%, comparable to domestically leading off-road models.
Since the blind ordering began on July 25, the market response to the 212 T01 has been positive. However, “212 will not blindly pursue rapid growth in sales figures; instead, we will always uphold a long-term perspective, focusing on user needs and placing emphasis on product quality and user experience to meet consumer expectations through reliable products,” said Lu Yunran.
