June 18 (NBD) -- China's commercial giant Suning Holdings Group (Suning) is seeking partnership with Beijing Automotive Group Co., Ltd. (BAIC Group) in the new energy sector.

BAIC Group Chairman Xu Heyi and other senior managers met with Suning Chairman Zhang Jindong at the latter's headquarters in Nanjing on Sunday, exchanging details concerning respective development strategies and demands with each other, discussing deployment in new energy vehicle (NEV) businesses and pushing forward their cooperation.

Suning has sustained a growth rate above the industry average year to date. Suning's retail business realized a growth rate of 46 percent in the first three months of this year and the growth momentum continues in the second quarter. The strong business performance provides solid back-up for Suning's efforts in the car businesses.

Suning.com (002024.SZ), the e-commerce arm of Suning, has launched independent automotive business section which includes both brick-and-mortar supermarkets and online stores selling new and second-hand cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, airplanes as well as providing automobile finance, car accessories and other products and services.

Email: gaohan@nbd.com.cn