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History of the Hongqi brand

The initial purpose of creating the brand was to provide a high-ranking state apparatus with official transport. Cars for the special purpose garage of the People’s Republic of China were produced until 1981, after which the assembly line was suspended. Closer to the mid-1990s. the series was resumed, but despite the preserved name, the strategy changed – the former “limousines” of officials replenished the taxi companies, at the same time settling in the budget business class.

In 2009, in honor of the parade of the sixtieth anniversary of the PRC, it was decided to return to government sources. Initially, the machines were prepared for Mao Zedong and his inner circle. At the end of the life of the general secretary of the Communist Party, cars passed to his faithful followers. Around the same time, there was a “revolution” – the concern approved an open sale. From an exclusively party vehicle, the new Hongqi has moved into the class of truly premium vehicles of the PRC for civilians.

The Hongqi CA72 is a luxury item used exclusively to transport government representatives. The leader of the Chinese people showed a special interest in the car, but, according to him, he first managed to ride it in 1972, on the occasion of the visit of former US President Richard Nixon. At that time, the car had been on the assembly line for 14 years. In the outlines of the body of the 72nd model, the lines of the Chrysler Imperial `55 are visible. The power unit for the “Seagull” from China was a 197-horsepower V-shaped eight-cylinder engine. The model became the prototype of the classics of Chinese auto design, which can be seen in modern platforms.

In 1963 there was a change of model. The new CA770 lasted on the assembly line until 1980. Technically, the TS was the base of the later Chrysler Imperial with a 215-horsepower V8. An interesting paradox – despite the limited edition of 1600 copies, the CA770 served as the basis for 11 modifications, including an ambulance, an armored car, a convertible and a combi.

In the interim, the plant launched the production of AUDI 100 and Lincoln Town Car – CA7200 and CA7220. In 2006, the third generation Hongqi entered the stream. The new HQ3 was based on the popular Toyota Crown Majesta at the time, but it did not find success. The total circulation did not exceed four thousand cars. Closer to 2013, the fourth generation was launched – the H7 and L5 models. A year after the launch, a little less than five thousand cars were sold – the state acted as the main buyer. The brand was declared “a service car for civil servants at the ministerial level.” A year later, the next order was received – from the People’s Liberation Army.

Having accumulated considerable experience, self-confidence and looking back at the national car culture, FAW has formed a completely different concept of luxury cars. The new line of Hongqi emphasizes nobility, sophistication and new sensations, integrating the culture of the East into the cutting-edge European trends.

The new concept has departed from ostentatious luxury – priority is given to cultural values. Cars are a fusion of aesthetic delight and functionality, as well as a manifestation of modern technology and environmental friendliness. All this is manifested not only in the Hongqi series, but also in the general ambitions of the Chinese automotive industry.

The new strategy includes four platforms:

L is a luxury car, produced according to the individual order of the client. Cars managed to get used to their niche. They are preferred for events such as the G20 Summit.
S is a sports series based on the GT concept. It expresses a look into the future from the position of FAW.
The H-series consists of two models – H7 and H5, positioned as vehicles for commercial purposes.
Q – cars of the so-called SUV class, sports utility.

Hongqi is constantly looking for opportunities to improve the technical capabilities of its own production to meet modern standards and global technology. One of the latest innovations has touched management – the R&D system, which includes 4 states and 10 departments headquartered in Changchun, is a systematic program to introduce the latest technological developments.

The project has several subdivisions within the country:

Nanking. The main task is to attract specialists in the field of artificial intelligence.
Shandong. A testing ground for testing all the nuances of the operation of vehicles under the control of AI.
Hainan. Here experts in the field of tests of body technologies work. The main direction is the fight against corrosion and aging of cars. Also, work is underway to adapt to world environmental standards.
The company managed to gather the best talents from all over the world – more than five thousand employees work within the framework of the project.