Reasons for the Discontinuation of the Baojun 310w
4 Answers
Below are the specific reasons for the discontinuation of the Baojun 310w: 1. Reason One: Insufficient airbag installation. The top variant only has two airbags and side airbags, while the budget version doesn't even have a single airbag, making the safety configuration inadequate. 2. Reason Two: No automatic transmission across the entire lineup. For long-distance driving in a station wagon, an automatic transmission would be more convenient and could effectively reduce driver fatigue. 3. Reason Three: Relatively poor quality reliability. Compared to similar models from joint-venture brands, although the price is cheaper, there is still a gap in terms of quality reliability.
As a veteran driver who often takes this car on long trips, I found that the fundamental reason for the discontinuation of the Baojun 310W is simply weak market demand. Although this car offers spacious interiors and fuel efficiency, young people nowadays prefer SUVs and new energy vehicles. Last year, when I visited a 4S store, the salesperson mentioned that monthly sales had dropped to triple digits, not even covering the production line costs. On top of that, upgrading to meet the China VI emission standards required recalibrating the engine, and the manufacturer did the math and decided it wasn’t worth it. So, they simply repurposed the production line for the newly launched Wuling Xingchen hybrid. In the end, it boils down to station wagons not fitting well in the domestic market—people feel SUVs give them more prestige. Honestly, this car’s trunk can fit three large suitcases, making it super practical, but times have changed.
Our auto repair shop has seen very few new 310Ws coming in for service over the past two years, which clearly indicates poor sales performance. The manufacturer's decision to discontinue production is likely a strategic adjustment, as Wuling is now focusing its efforts on new energy vehicles. Last year, while performing maintenance for owners, we heard them complain that the car's powertrain configuration is quite outdated - the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine struggles with highway overtaking, making it unappealing to younger buyers. Additionally, its station wagon positioning is awkward - it can't match the comfort of SUVs in the same price range, nor is it as nimble as hatchbacks. We mechanics actually feel it's a pity, as the rear suspension tuning is quite good - it handles rough roads more steadily than some SUVs. But the market shows no mercy when it comes to phasing out models.
The car was discontinued quite abruptly. Last year, a friend bought a used 310w—its space is incredibly practical, with the rear seats folded down, it could practically serve as a small truck. But the manufacturer probably did the math: station wagons are too niche in China, and keeping the production line idle was burning too much money. Now Baojun is pivoting to KiWi electric vehicles, so naturally, fuel-powered models like the 310w have to make way. Moreover, the car's specs can't keep up anymore—it doesn't even have basic ESP (Electronic Stability Program), making its safety features pale in comparison to newer models. Add to that the dwindling number of parts suppliers, and even maintenance has become an issue.
