BYD’s off-road brand Fang Cheng Bao (FCB) signed a cooperation agreement with China Rocket, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). FCB will provide Bao 5 and Bao 8 (Leopard 5 & Leopard 8) SUVs as service cars for the launch of the manned spaceflight Shenzhou-19.
Fang Cheng Bao is a high-end off-road brand launched by BYD in 2023. Its current model line consists of a single SUV called Bao 5 (Leopard 5). Soon, FCB plans to launch two more cars: the Bao 8 PHEV crossover and the Bao 3 electric crossover. Recently, the BYD’s brand announced a strategic cooperation with Rocket China.
Fang Cheng Bao’s cooperation with Rocket China
According to Fang Cheng Bao officials, they have signed a cooperation agreement with Rocket China. It is one of the biggest Chinese aerospace companies and a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). According to the agreement, FCB will provide Bao 5 and Bao 8 models as service cars for Rocket China’s aerospace mission in October.
Rocket China and CASC plan to launch the Shenzhou 19 manned spaceflight in October 2024. The spacecraft will carry astronauts to the Tiangong space station.
Fang Cheng Bao officials underlined that this cooperation reflects the high recognition of the quality of FCB vehicles. The FCB Bao 8 hasn’t entered the Chinese market yet. However, brand officials said the first batch of exhibition cars arrived at stores. So, users can get acquainted with this vehicle.
More about FCB cars
The Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 is a mid-size off-roader with dimensions of 4890/1970/1920 mm with a wheelbase of 2800 mm. Its powertrain comprises a 1.5-liter ICE engine paired with dual electric motors. Its combined power output reaches 505 kW (677 hp). The ground clearance of the FCB Bao 5 reaches 310 mm. This off-roader costs 239,800 – 302,800 yuan (34,000 – 42,950 USD) in China.
The FCB Bao 8 is a full-size body-on-frame SUV with dimensions of 5195/1994/1875 mm and a wheelbase of 2920 mm. It supports 6-seat and 7-seat interior layout variants. The Bao 8’s powertrain consists of a 2-liter ICE for 200 kW (268 hp) and two electric motors for 200 kW (268 hp) and 300 kW (402 hp).
