The 212 T01 is a SUV and pickup truck manufactured by BAW under the 212 brand.
Overview
Launched in 1965 by Qingdao based Chinese automotive manufacturer Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) the BJ212 was an off-road four-wheel drive sports utility vehicle which was developed together with UAZ-469 which was manufactured by Ulyanovsky Avtomobilny Zavod (UAZ) an Ulyanovsk based Russian automotive manufacturer.
The SUV had a significant role in Chinese auto industry and Chinese army for its versatility and off-road capabilities. To meet new demand of new era BAW created a new brand. In 2022 new brand name was trademarked making it the first brand name to have only numbers and no alphabets.
Explorer 01 A pickup truck version of the 212 T01 SUV was displayed at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2024 and was named Explorer 01 to differentiate it from the normal SUV. The truck is 5.4 meter long featuring a higher capacity 2.3 liter turbo diesel engine producing 190hp which can achieve a top speed of 160kmph and same 8 speed automatic gearbox. The cargo bed has a rated capacity of 495kg and higher towing capacity than the normal SUV which is 3 tons with approach and departure angle of 42 degrees and 26 degrees respectively.
Three Door The three door version is expected to launch soon. It may fill the three door off-road SUV gap in the domestic market due to the high cost of importing three door SUVs. The design is expected to be same as the full size version with similar engine options.
60TH A soft top version of the 212 T01 was showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2025 named 60TH which pays homage to the original BJ212 which completed 60 years from 1965 to 2025 also had a soft top version. The soft top is removable and features soft rear windshield and a side tailgate. The vehicle features a hybrid powertrain which is unique for the 212 portfolio as they have only had petrol and diesel engines on all the models with this the vehicles has 60TH badging on the side doors.
Specifications The SUV has ground clearance of with approach and departure angles of 36° and 40° respectively. For off-road terrain the SUV has water wading capacity up to (depends on accessories and variants) and mounting points. Built on a ladder frame chassis using WY platform with Five link non-independent suspension, Electronic hydraulic steering system, alloy wheels size of 17 or 18 inch, spare wheel, electronic parking brake, 80 liter fuel tank, and maximum towing capacity of 2.5 tons.
Powertrain It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged "N20TG" petrol engine producing and of torque or 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine producing and of torque, with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a part-time four-wheel drive system.
+ModelYearTransmissionDriveTypeMax PowerTorqueTop Speed0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)Fuel TankMileage (L/100km)Emission NormsPetrol2.0T2024–present8 Speed autoAWDIn-line 48.5s80L10.9-11.3China VIDiesel2.0T2025–present8 Speed autoAWDIn-line 413.0s80L8.5China VI
Markets UAE The 212 T01 debuted in the United Arab Emirates on 28 October 2025 under Legend Motors a Dubai based Legend Holding Group company that deals in automotive trading in the UAE. This partnership between both companies make Legend Motors the exclusive distributor of 212 products. Powered by 2 liter turbo petrol engine with output of and torque supported by an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available in four different color and also three special editions named: Adventure, Falcon and Pioneer.
Russia On 19 December 2025 212 T01 received Vehicle Type Approval for sales in the market of Russia. Power by a 2 liter Dongan N20TG turbocharged petrol engine producing and torque paired with a 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is also available in a special trim named Adventurer RUS limited for Russia with winter package that has heated windshield, seats, steering wheel, exterior mirrors and a rear window.
In January 2026 the company placed a low powered turbo diesel engine in the 212 T01. The tweaked engine produced but was still a 2 liter engine paired with a ZF automatic gearbox. This reduced the price of the SUV significantly to help expand 212 market in the nation. The pickup truck version is also planned to launch in the same year and expand the portfolio of the brand.
Germany Indimo Automotive GmbH a Landstuhl based company and Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) partnered and showcased the 212 T01 at IAA Mobility trade fair in Munich on 14 September 2025. Powered by 2 liter diesel engine putting out and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Indimo deals in importing Chinese vehicles to Germany and Europe. They also provide with marketing and after sales service.
Italy In the last quarter of 2025 Eurasia Motor Company a Lombardy based automotive company became the official distributor of the 212 T01 in Italy. The SUV is sold under EMC 212 name for the market else than that the vehicle stays unchanged. When comes to engine options both diesel and petrol engines are available with the 8 speed automatic transmission. The petrol engine puts out 217hp compared to 166hp of the diesel engine and both of these 2 liter engines meet Euro 6E European emission standards. EMC also has metallic paint and locking front differential as an option.
Uzbekistan On 29 December 2025 Asaka Motors International a Tashkent based automotive group partnered with BAW to assemble the 212 T01 locally in Uzbekistan. Asaka Motors has also partnered with Geely, Exeed, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Hyundai, Opel, Iveco, and Wuling. The company received approvals and clearance to assemble 212 T01 in Sirdaryo Region. The vehicle is equipped with a 2 liter engine producing and 8 speed automatic transmission.
Australia The 212 T01 is confirmed to go on sale in Australia in 2026 the Aussie spec version of the SUV will feature both diesel and petrol engines. Where the petrol puts out and torque and the diesel puts out and torque. Both engines will be paired with 8-speed automatic gearbox. Once the vehicle completes the Australian Design Rules-certified (ADR) testing only then distributors and dealers can get the units.
Sales YearChinaUAERussiaGermanyItalyUzbekistanAustralia20244,262 - - - - - -202518,078
References
External links Chinese only