Singaporean‑led Chinese EV start‑up eyes Mercedes‑Benz competition

Singaporean CEO Turns Beijing’s EV Scene Upside‑Down

In the bustling tech hub of Beijing, a brand‑new electric‑vehicle (EV) startup is making waves—some might say it’s a small, but surprisingly strong, splash in a big market.

Meet Beyonca

Founded just two years ago, Beyonca is aiming to give old‑guard German luxury automakers a run for their money. Their daring goal? To shine a light on electric high‑end motoring, starting right where luxury cars typically belong—on the road but with a future‑forward twist.

Why the Singapore Ties?

Chairman: Mr. Soh Wei Ming shows the global appeal of the brand. He’s not just running Beyonca—he’s also the CEO of Renault China, sprinkling extra expertise into every corner.
Backed by Renault and Dongfeng, the startup can jump faster than the usual slow‑moving auto giants.

The Big Plan

Full‑scale production kicks off by 2024.
Seen overseas in a five‑year sprint.
Aiming to sell around 100,000 cars an year after 2025.

Beyonca is pulling up more than just wheels. Outside its Beijing headquarters sits a design studio in Munich, while a tech hub in Singapore churns out AI for smart driving.

First Look: The GT Opus 1 Concept

The brand debuted its pilot car, the GT Opus 1 Concept, just last Sunday. It’s not your click‑and‑clack pontoon – think health‑monitoring gadgets, doctor‑alert systems, and autonomous driving that’s all about keeping you safe.

The flashiest part? The Grand Safari Limousine intends to rival the Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class in style and tech, proof that Beyonca wants to place elegant luxury close to the pulse of innovation.

So buckle up, folks—Beyonca is on a mission to prove that a friendly Singaporean CEO can have a big dream and drive it to fruition in the electric‑car arena of Beijing.

Mr. Soh: Singapore’s Driving Force In Volkswagen’s Global Mission

When you think of automotive dynamos, you almost always picture the usual suspects: big‑name CEOs, flashy cars, and policy speeches. But then there’s Mr. Soh, the Singaporean who’s been quietly steering the Volkswagen Group’s ship like a seasoned captain. Talk about a legend in the automotive world.

From the Ground Up

2013 – The “Big Break”: GasGoo announced that Mr. Soh had taken the helm as EVP (Executive Vice President) of the entire Volkswagen Group. Suddenly he went from being “just another manager” to the guy people across the globe started calling for.
More Power, More Responsibility: At the same time he was also juggling a triple‑header job: EVP of Volkswagen Group China, a board member for Group Business Development & Partnership Strategy, and the proud chairman of Volkswagen Import. Talk about multitasking at scale!
2018 – Heading Mobility Asia: In a move that showed he’s not just about sales, Mr. Soh was leading “Mobility Asia.” Think of it as VW’s laboratory for future cars – tech, software, startups, you name it.

Why He Matters

When you combine a deep knowledge of the Southeast Asian market with a front‑line view of global car trends, you get a unique mastermind who knows how to turn local demand into worldwide success. It’s that mix of bold strategy and inventive tech that keeps the Volkswagen Group ahead of the curve.

Need a Car? Call the Right People!

During a chat with CarBuyer in 2018, Mr. Soh highlighted how car‑owners in Asia would soon get access to innovations that were still green‑lit around Silicon Valley. He sharpened the focus on lifestyle mobility – the kind of future you can’t wait to test‑drive, even if you still drive a regular sedan.

And if you’re already eyeing that upcoming electric car showcase, remember that people like Mr. Soh are steering the wheel toward a smarter, greener auto future. Stay tuned, because the next bytes from VW will have you cruising on a better, faster road.

Singaporean‑led Chinese EV start‑up eyes Mercedes‑Benz competition