Three companies hold the license, yet there are no cars. We have already seen Chinese manufacturers vanish from the market (Aiways), leave and return (GAC), and even grant licenses to two importers simultaneously (Maxus). But the story of the Chinese BAIC sets a new record in the history of the local market, where Chinese manufacturers already control about 40% of it.
In March 2024, the leasing and rental company Albar announced to the stock exchange that it would import vehicles from the manufacturer specializing in SUVs and off-road vehicles, one of the last large Chinese brands not yet represented in Israel. However, nothing happened. In December 2025, the Kaduri Group, importer of Skywell, made a similar announcement, reporting the list of upcoming models and promising to start marketing in mid-2026.
But just recently, Dalhom Motors, importer of Chinese Foton pickups, released a statement saying it has now received an exclusive license to sell BAIC models in Israel, despite the fact that its models still lack the European certification required for sale in the country. The company promised that the first shipment of models with such certification would arrive in March, which did not happen, and now promises it will happen in August.
The BAIC Group is one of the oldest and largest automotive groups in China. It was established in 1958, and in addition to independent models, it produces Mercedes and Hyundai models in China under agreements with both manufacturers. The list of models Dalhom announces it will launch in Israel is similar to the one promised by Caduri:
BJ30: The answer to the Subaru Forester with similar pricing, now in its second generation, slightly larger in size, 4.73 meters long with a 2.82-meter wheelbase. Ground clearance is 21.5 cm, with approach (24.5 degrees) and departure (30 degrees) angles improved, and 19-inch wheels. The hybrid power unit is based on a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a combined output of 188 hp and 28.8 kg·m of torque. Currently available with 5 seats; a 7-seat version may be added next year.
BJ40: A larger off-road vehicle, still with 5 seats, ladder-frame chassis, and low-range gearbox, but in its new generation no longer looks like a Wrangler copy as it did in the first generation. Length 4.79 meters, wheelbase 2.76 meters. Ground clearance 22 cm, approach angle 36 degrees, departure angle 31 degrees. 18-inch wheels and plug-in hybrid drive. The price is likely more than 100,000 NIS cheaper than a Wrangler.
BJ60: A seven-seater plug-in hybrid. 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine and electric motor, with a combined output of 267 hp. A 40.3 kWh battery provides an electric range of about 110 km under European certification. Length 5.04 meters, wheelbase 2.82 meters. Ground clearance 21.5 cm, approach angle 24 degrees, departure angle 30 degrees, rear- or all-wheel drive with low-range gearbox. 18-inch wheels and off-road tires. Caduri previously promised that the price would be more than NIS 100,000 cheaper than a Toyota Land Cruiser, possibly even NIS 300,000.
Alongside them, two crossover models will be marketed: X7, similar in size to the BJ30 (length 4.71 meters) with a more advanced design, and the smaller X55 (4.62 meters long), both with 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engines (177 hp) and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, priced under NIS 170,000. Additionally, an electric sedan, the EU5, is expected at a competitive price, followed later by imports of ArcFox, the group’s premium tech division, whose license in Israel was previously held by EV Motors and later by Avi Dayan of Trade Mobile.
From the Caduri Group: "According to the Transport Ministry, the Caduri Group is the official importer of BAIC in Israel."