Why was the Beijing BJ20 discontinued?
2 Answers
The main reason for the discontinuation is the low sales volume of this model. According to the 2018 domestic car sales report, the BJ20 sold only 10,444 units in the entire year of 2018, ranking 159th in the compact SUV sales rankings, with a market share of just 0.11%. Such performance appears uncompetitive compared to many outstanding rivals. More details are as follows: Interior: The BJ20's performance is average. Feedback indicates that the rear passenger comfort experience is relatively poor, with seats that are not soft enough and a stiff suspension tuning that brings significant bumpiness to the cabin. The trunk space is also relatively small, though it is adequate for daily personal commuting. Powertrain: Honestly, the car's initial acceleration is somewhat sluggish, lacking a bit of driving excitement. However, the 1.5T engine performs well once it gets up to speed. The main drawback is the significant wind noise at high speeds, requiring the music volume to be turned up to mask the noise.
I've driven the Beijing BJ20, and the main reason it was discontinued was the continuous decline in market sales, unable to compete with other popular SUVs. China's SUV market is too crowded, with models like the Haval H6 and Changan CS75 updating quickly, offering high configurations at affordable prices, making the BJ20 seem outdated. Its exterior isn't stylish enough, and the interior has a heavy plastic feel, which doesn't appeal to young buyers. Additionally, consumer preferences have shifted towards smart technology and spacious comfort, areas where the BJ20 falls short. I've also heard about significant inventory buildup, putting pressure on dealers. BAIC, as the manufacturer, likely saw continued production as unprofitable and decided to shift resources towards new energy vehicles like the EU series. This kind of transition is common among major automakers, with companies like GM and Ford also discontinuing older models. In short, the market is ruthless—when a car can't keep up, it's time to exit. When considering a new car, it's wise to look at the competition.
