BAIC Senova D20 History

The Senova D20, a subcompact five-door hatchback (and a later three-box sedan variant), went on sale in China in March 2012 as the very first model under BAIC Motor's own Senova brand — itself built on technology rights acquired from Saab Automobile in late 2009. The D20 sold 20,008 units between its March 2012 launch and the end of that calendar year, a credible start for a brand-new domestic nameplate.

Positioned as a budget entry point, the D20 served the Chinese market through the Senova brand's lifespan. When BAIC retired the Senova name in May 2020, replacing it with the revived 'Beijing' brand, the D20-era vehicles were phased out rather than rebadged, having been superseded by newer platforms.