In the field of off-road vehicles, the 212 brand symbolizes courage and loyalty. It carries the dreams and passions of countless off-road enthusiasts. The 212 debuted in 1965 and entered mass production in 1966. It saw extensive use in frontline troops. It is the only true off-road vehicle in China that has withstood the test of war. Today, it ranks among the highest in production, market share, and sales duration in China. The spirit of off-roading it embodies has become a shared memory for generations. The 212 pioneered China’s hard-core off-road segment. It is truly a “national treasure brand.”
On September 24, we entered the production base in Laixi. We were curious about the new 212 brand and the 212 T01 product. We visited the Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Museum and the production line. We met with the management of Weiqiao New Energy Vehicles and the executives of the 212 brand. Together, we discussed the revival of the 212 brand.
Classic national car elements inherit and open a new era. As the pioneer of domestic off-road vehicles, the 212 model holds significant brand influence and market potential. In the 1960s, China urgently needed to develop its own off-road vehicles. Despite weak economic foundations and harsh production conditions, the design of the 212 off-road vehicle received approval in 1966. Soon after, the Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant began mass production of the 212 off-road vehicle, equipping it widely for frontline troops.
By the 1970s and 1980s, the 212 off-road vehicle became the main model for equipping troops. It spawned various models, including tractors and ambulances. In 1984, the 212 off-road vehicle appeared at the 35th anniversary parade of New China. It received national inspection. With the start of reform and opening up, the 212 off-road vehicle entered the civilian market. Its high passability, ease of use, and reliability helped it spread quickly across the country. It found wide application in various enterprises and institutions. The military quality represented by this vehicle gained broad recognition. The off-road spirit it embodies became a shared memory for generations.
Over nearly 60 years, the 212 off-road vehicle became one of the highest-produced and most widely held models in China. Its sales reached over a million units. This achievement created a legend in the national auto industry and became an emotional memory for a generation. As times changed, today’s youth showed national confidence, cultural confidence, and consumer confidence. Their strong sense of identity with the country and nation drives the return of the 212 brand.
The transformation began in 2022. It started with the establishment of the 212 brand. By 2024, the 212 brand and 212 T01 officially launched. The 212 brand evolved from a single model to an independent brand. This marked a historic leap and opened a new chapter. At the start of a new era, 212 aims to revive a national treasure brand. It seeks to set off-road standards. The brand redefines off-roading, connecting classic ruggedness with new-generation consumers. It leads Chinese off-roading to new heights. 212 relocates to Qingdao and embarks on a fresh journey. The manufacturing capabilities receive a significant upgrade.
In 2020, Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant officially settled in Qingdao. All employees embraced the “Jinggangshan Spirit.” They transformed it into corporate spirit. In just 14 months, they built a digital, intelligent, modern automotive production base. In the next three years, as the only headquarters automotive enterprise in Shandong with full vehicle manufacturing qualifications, the plant gradually evolved. It became a large enterprise group integrating vehicle manufacturing, powertrain, and key component design, research and development, production, sales, and service. Currently, it has five vehicle manufacturing bases in Qingdao, Dezhou, Huanghua, Linyi, and Qinghe. The plant operates three qualified vehicle enterprises, totaling an annual production capacity of 450,000 vehicles. This showcases its strong manufacturing power. It also signals a new high-quality standard for the upcoming 212 product, marking a fresh start.
Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant stays true to its original mission. It actively practices corporate social responsibility. Its values align with Weiqiao Group’s belief in “entrepreneurship for the nation, benefiting the people.” In 2023, Weiqiao Group officially acquired a controlling stake in Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant. This acquisition positions it as a core business unit in Weiqiao’s new energy vehicle sector. Lu Fujun, then chairman of Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant, became president of Weiqiao’s New Energy Vehicle Management Headquarters. Under the concept of “long-termism in car manufacturing,” Beijing Automotive Manufacturing Plant enters a new development phase. The 212 off-road vehicle also experiences a brand revival. Weiqiao Group may not be familiar to many readers. However, it has ranked among the world’s top 500 companies for 13 consecutive years. In 2023, it reported over 520 billion yuan in revenue. In the latest Fortune Global 500 list released in August, it ranked 175th.
Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group focuses on the aluminum and textile industries. Competition in the global market is fierce. Weiqiao adheres to long-term principles and accumulates rich experience. It holds a leading position in the industry. Currently, Weiqiao has a complete aluminum industry chain. This chain spans from energy, mining, and alumina to primary aluminum, deep processing, and recycled aluminum. The company gradually connects advanced aluminum materials to aluminum parts and then to complete vehicles, creating a new green circular economy. In the face of competition in the new energy vehicle sector, Weiqiao’s new energy vehicle division emphasizes long-termism and craftsmanship. It focuses on the passenger vehicle and off-road market, targeting the 100,000 to 500,000 vehicle segment. The division develops four platforms: WY, WT, WB, and Jishi. It centers on the Beijing automotive manufacturing plant and invests in a series of product plans. The range includes hard-core off-road to light off-road vehicles, covering all power types in the off-road sector and fully addressing the off-road sub-market. T01 Technology Innovation: Climbing New Heights in Off-Roading Returning to the products, the new 212 model officially launched on August 22. The new model offers three configurations: T01 Mechanic at 139,900 yuan (19950$), T01 Explorer at 159,900 yuan (22800$), and T01 Inspector at 172,900 yuan (24660$).
The T01 model name has dual meaning. T stands for “Times,” symbolizing an era. It represents a distinct symbol in China’s off-road vehicle industry. The 212 once dominated a glorious era of off-road vehicles. T also stands for “Terrain,” indicating strong all-terrain capability. The number “01” symbolizes the first product after the 212 brand’s renewal. It marks a new starting point and journey.
Most users who focus on the 212 model feel pleased. The 212 T01 inherits classic design elements. It fully upgrades and transforms to meet modern aesthetics. The classic clam-shell hood, left-side anti-aircraft light, three-section front grille, and split round headlights create a recognizable family design language. This includes one arch, two circles, three horizontal lines, and four vertical lines.
The 212 T01 features many modern practical configurations. The front headlights include lenses, and the turn signals and fog lights use LED sources. The lighting effect is impressive. The fog light base supports various expansion functions, offering players a unique experience. The 212 T01 maintains a “boxy” shape. Its large wheels and high ground clearance ensure strong off-road capability. The rear adopts a left-opening door layout, highlighting its off-road identity. The large black plastic material on the wheel arches enhances its rugged look and resists scratches, fitting its tough SUV positioning.
The 212 T01 features a trapezoidal frame with six sturdy crossbeams. The design optimizes dynamic stiffness at the mounting points. It uses 99% high-strength steel. This construction absorbs shocks and resists bumps on the road. As a result, the vehicle excels in impact resistance. It ensures stable driving and keeps passengers safe. Built for off-road, it boasts outstanding technical performance. The 212 T01 has impressive off-road parameters. The approach angle reaches 40°, and the departure angle hits 36°. The breakover angle stands at 23.6°. It can ford up to 850mm and climb at a maximum grade of 100%. These figures lead the current off-road vehicle market.
The 212 T01 features a mature and reliable system. It combines a 2.0T GDI turbo engine with an 8AT automatic transmission and electronic control for mechanical four-wheel drive. This setup delivers a maximum power of 185 kW. It sustains a peak torque of 410 N·m within the 1900-3300 RPM range. In four-wheel drive mode, the system distributes power evenly between the front and rear axles at a 50:50 ratio. When the transfer case engages the 4L low gear, it amplifies torque by 2.5 times. This provides strong off-road capability, allowing it to tackle various harsh terrains with ease.
The 212 T01 features a classic five-link non-independent suspension structure at both front and rear. This design provides excellent suspension travel advantages. It ensures stable and efficient power transfer. The front and rear drive axle housings are made from a single steel plate, stamped and welded together. This construction offers high strength. It greatly enhances driving performance and safety. Today, few brands combine a non-load-bearing body, front and rear five-link solid axles, a part-time four-wheel drive system, and three locking differentials in one vehicle.
Personalized customization meets diverse needs. The 212 T01 design considers off-road users’ demands for personalization and functionality. The new vehicle offers upgrade options in appearance, interior, power, transmission, and chassis. Users can install parts like water fording hoses, onboard radios, external antennas, and desert flagpoles without drilling or damaging the body. This enhances vehicle convenience. The manufacturer provides many optional off-road features. These include front and rear mechanical limited-slip electronic differential locks, high-strength electric winches, and adjustable nitrogen shock absorbers. These options greatly increase the 212 T01’s modification potential, delivering an exceptional off-road experience.
Focus on user needs. Emphasize product quality and user experience. Meet consumer expectations with reliable products. This approach boosts the 212 off-road vehicle’s market competitiveness and elevates the brand. It also supports sustainable development. The 212 T01 honors off-road spirit with craftsmanship. It unlocks new driving possibilities through technology. It delivers driving pleasure through performance. It adapts seamlessly to various scenes and road conditions. It pushes the boundaries of off-road experiences.
Conclusion: Continuous Innovation, Building Off-Road Dreams Together Since the blind pre-sale began on July 25 and the official launch on August 22, the market has responded enthusiastically to the 212 T01. However, Wei Qiao Group and the 212 brand team have stated multiple times that 212 will not pursue rapid sales growth at any cost. They will maintain a long-term perspective and a strong sense of responsibility toward users. They focus on user needs, prioritize product quality and user experience, and ensure effective product delivery. Meeting consumer expectations through reliable products is essential for enhancing the market competitiveness and brand reputation of the 212 off-road vehicle.
The general manager of 212 Off-Road Vehicle Co., Ltd., Lu Yunran, stated, “With the support of Weiqiao Entrepreneurship Group, the 212 team has ample room to perform. 212 holds a unique historical position and brand appeal in China’s off-road vehicle market. 212 will undoubtedly shine in the off-road market. In the past, 212 pioneered off-roading in China. Today, 212 leads Chinese off-roading to new heights with stronger confidence and capability. In the future, the 212 off-road brand will drive technological innovation. It will focus on product strength, enhance user value, and grow brand assets. 212 will adhere to long-termism and craftsmanship. It aims to step onto the world stage and become a key promoter of global off-road culture.”