Eighteen high-quality and ultra high-strength auto components for leading Chinese automobile producer Chery, called in the industry body-in-white parts -- manufactured by Baotou-based iron and steel manufacturer Baogang Group -- were recently approved as fully qualified, marking new progress in Baogang Group’s vehicle manufacturing, according to a report in the Baotou Evening News.

The body-in-white (BIW) refers to the welding assembly of a body structure and covers -- including the front wings, doors, hood, trunk lid -- but does not include the unpainted body of accessories and decorative parts.

The painted body-in-white, plus the interior and exterior trim and electronic and electrical systems, as well as the chassis system and powertrain system, make up the vehicle.

The automobile parts were made from Baogang Group’s surface FD grade product steel plate.

Company officials said Chery’s Ordos base has assembled 25 vehicles with body-in-white components produced by Baogang.

Established in 1954, Baogang Group is the largest steel company based in Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Over the past three years, Baogang Group’s automotive steel has entered a stage of rapid development.

In 2017, Baogang Group achieved sales of 386,600 tons of automobile steel, while in 2018 it realized sales of 1.043 million tons -- and in 2019 it achieved sales of 1,386,600 tons.

Baogang Group has become a well-known domestic supplier of FAW, Shaanxi Automobile, Chery, BYD and other domestic manufacturers.

Currently, Baogang Group has signed a contract for Chery's 700 complete vehicle test steel plates and entire vehicle testing has begun.