FAW Hongqi
Encyclopedia
Hongqi is a luxury car brand of First Automobile Works
. These cars were the first domestically produced Chinese passenger vehicles.
First manufactured in 1958, the original Hongqi models were only for high-ranking party elite and remained in production until 1981. Today, party officials commonly prefer Audi
s.
In Chinese hongqi means "red flag
", a communist
symbol.
parade, returned to its roots and participated by carrying party leaders.
leadership during National Day parades, and particularly for use at the tenth anniversary celebration of the Chinese Revolution. The design was based on a 1955 Chrysler.
From the beginning, the Hongqi was equipped with a 147 kW V8 engine, and in 1965 a lengthened version with three rows of seats appeared. In 1969, an armored version (CA772) appeared.
The CA770 is the Hongqi model that defines the brand, and it remained in production until 1981 albeit in limited numbers. Although Chairman Mao didn't actually ride in a Hongqi until Nixon's 1972 visit he did take a personal interest in the cars from the beginning.
These include the Audi 100
(CA7200/CA7220) and the Lincoln Town Car
(CA7460). The Audi 100-based versions were later complemented by the more luxurious "Century Star" series, which was also available with a longer wheelbase and as a state convertible, as well as the smaller (1.8-litre) Hongqi Mingshi.
, it fared poorly.
First year sales totaled near 500, and while the target for the second was increased to 1,400, the HQ3 would not be profitable until annual sales of 5,000 were reached, something that may never have happened.
By October 2008 the price was reduced considerably and the name changed from Hongqi HQ3 to Shengshi (“Days of Prosperity") in order to better appeal to private buyers. Sales during the first half of 2008 were a mere 788 units–all from inventory.
was displayed. In 2009 First Automobile Works planned to release the Hongqi HQE
its design based on that of the 2005 concept.
The HQE was used by Paramount Leader
Hu Jintao
during parades celebrating the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China
. Volume production is reportedly to begin in 2011; the retail price per unit could reach 1.2 million US dollars, which would make it the most expensive Chinese-built car ever.
The car has since been shown at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show as the CA7600L. It is equipped with a 300 kW 6.0 L V12 engine developed in-house.
, may be easily confused with those of Hongqi. In 2008, due to flagging sales, Hongqi showrooms were merged with those of the then recently developed Besturn brand. It was thought that giving the Hongqi brand more sales outlets would increase turnover. At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Besturn models were shown "under the Hongqi naming series", and until 2011 the two brands both used the Hongqi badging.
First Automobile Works
FAW Group Corporation is a state-owned enterprise with publicly traded subsidiaries: FAW Car Company , Tianjin FAW Xiali Automobile Co Ltd , Changchun FAWAY Automobile Components Co Ltd ....
. These cars were the first domestically produced Chinese passenger vehicles.
First manufactured in 1958, the original Hongqi models were only for high-ranking party elite and remained in production until 1981. Today, party officials commonly prefer Audi
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
s.
In Chinese hongqi means "red flag
Red flag
In politics, a red flag is a symbol of Socialism, or Communism, or sometimes left-wing politics in general. It has been associated with left-wing politics since the French Revolution. Socialists adopted the symbol during the Revolutions of 1848 and it became a symbol of communism as a result of its...
", a communist
Communism
Communism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
symbol.
History
While the name has endured, it has been affixed to all manner of vehicles. The erstwhile dignitary's car has become a taxi, a cut-rate businessman's sedan, and during the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China
The 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China took place on October 1, 2009. A military parade involving 10,000 troops and the display of many high-tech weapons was held in Tiananmen Square in Beijing and various celebrations were conducted all over the country...
parade, returned to its roots and participated by carrying party leaders.
First generation
The original Hongqi cars were a luxury item used to ferry dignitaries to and fro. Introduced on August 1 1958, the CA72 was the first Hongqi. By September, a convertible version appeared, intended for use by the Chinese Communist PartyCommunist Party of China
The Communist Party of China , also known as the Chinese Communist Party , is the founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China...
leadership during National Day parades, and particularly for use at the tenth anniversary celebration of the Chinese Revolution. The design was based on a 1955 Chrysler.
From the beginning, the Hongqi was equipped with a 147 kW V8 engine, and in 1965 a lengthened version with three rows of seats appeared. In 1969, an armored version (CA772) appeared.
The CA770 is the Hongqi model that defines the brand, and it remained in production until 1981 albeit in limited numbers. Although Chairman Mao didn't actually ride in a Hongqi until Nixon's 1972 visit he did take a personal interest in the cars from the beginning.
Second generation
Between 1995 and 2006 some license-built versions of foreign cars were re-badged (and in the case of the Audis, also available lengthened) and sold as Hongqi models.These include the Audi 100
Audi 100
The restyled C2 Audi 100 was launched in 1976, with an in-line five-cylinder engine...
(CA7200/CA7220) and the Lincoln Town Car
Lincoln Town Car
The Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan that was sold by the upscale Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company; it was produced from 1981 to the 2011 model years...
(CA7460). The Audi 100-based versions were later complemented by the more luxurious "Century Star" series, which was also available with a longer wheelbase and as a state convertible, as well as the smaller (1.8-litre) Hongqi Mingshi.
Third generation
FAW began production of the latest Hongqi to go on sale in 2006. Named the HQ3 and based on the Toyota Crown MajestaToyota Crown Majesta
The Toyota Crown Majesta is a full-size premium luxury automobile. The Toyota Crown Majesta shares a stretched variant of the UZS platform series from the smaller Toyota Crown and Lexus GS/Toyota Aristo, however, it is not just a upper trim level of the Crown sedan, the Majesta is a separate car...
, it fared poorly.
First year sales totaled near 500, and while the target for the second was increased to 1,400, the HQ3 would not be profitable until annual sales of 5,000 were reached, something that may never have happened.
By October 2008 the price was reduced considerably and the name changed from Hongqi HQ3 to Shengshi (“Days of Prosperity") in order to better appeal to private buyers. Sales during the first half of 2008 were a mere 788 units–all from inventory.
Fourth generation
At the 2005 Shanghai International Auto Exhibition a Hongqi HQD concept carConcept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
was displayed. In 2009 First Automobile Works planned to release the Hongqi HQE
Hongqi HQE
The Hongqi HQE is a large four-door limousine built by FAW Hongqi. It is the first Chinese-built V12 cylinder engine-equipped luxury car. As Hongqi's most advanced top-of-the-line vehicle type, the HQE will serve as the high-end vehicle for VIPs and high-ranking national officials...
its design based on that of the 2005 concept.
The HQE was used by Paramount Leader
Paramount leader
Paramount leader literally "the highest leader of the party and the state ", in modern Chinese political science, unofficially refers to the political leader of the People's Republic of China....
Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao
Hu Jintao is the current Paramount Leader of the People's Republic of China. He has held the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the People's Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004, succeeding Jiang...
during parades celebrating the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. Volume production is reportedly to begin in 2011; the retail price per unit could reach 1.2 million US dollars, which would make it the most expensive Chinese-built car ever.
The car has since been shown at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show as the CA7600L. It is equipped with a 300 kW 6.0 L V12 engine developed in-house.
Fifth generation
In 2010 FAW announced plans to revive its domestic luxury car brand. Four models will be available, at least one of which may be based on the most recent generation of Audi A6 (C6). This car, the Hongqi C131, is planned to go on sale in early 2012.Besturn
The products of a lesser FAW luxury brand, BesturnFAW Besturn
Besturn is a First Automobile Works brand of Chinese sedans that use foreign technology. In Chinese, it may also be known as Ben Teng....
, may be easily confused with those of Hongqi. In 2008, due to flagging sales, Hongqi showrooms were merged with those of the then recently developed Besturn brand. It was thought that giving the Hongqi brand more sales outlets would increase turnover. At the 2010 Beijing Auto Show Besturn models were shown "under the Hongqi naming series", and until 2011 the two brands both used the Hongqi badging.
List of Hongqi models
| Year | Model | Chinese Name | English Name | Origination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Dongfeng CA71 | 东风 | East Wind | Simca Simca Simca was a French automaker, founded in November 1934 by Fiat. It was directed from July 1935 to May 1963 by the Italian Henri Théodore Pigozzi... VDT body and chassis, Mercedes-Benz 190 Mercedes-Benz 190 Mercedes-Benz has sold a number of automobiles with the "190" model name:* 1955–1963 W121** 1955–1963 Mercedes-Benz 190SL** 1958–1959 190D** 1959–1961 190b** 1959–1961 190Db* 1962–1965 W110** 1962–1965 190c... engine |
| 1958 | CA72 | 红旗 | Red Flag | A 1955 Chrysler model |
| 1965-1981 | CA770 series | 红旗 | Red Flag | |
| 1995 | CA7200/CA7220 | 红旗 | Red Flag | Audi 100 Audi 100 The restyled C2 Audi 100 was launched in 1976, with an in-line five-cylinder engine... |
| 1998 | CA7460/CA7460L2 | 红旗旗舰 | Hongqi Limousine | Lincoln Town Car Lincoln Town Car The Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan that was sold by the upscale Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company; it was produced from 1981 to the 2011 model years... |
| 2000 | CA7202E3/CA7242E6/CA7182E7 | 红旗世纪星 | Hongqi Century Star | Audi 200 |
| In production as of 2005 | CA7180 | 红旗明仕 | Hongqi Mingshi | Audi 100 Audi 100 The restyled C2 Audi 100 was launched in 1976, with an in-line five-cylinder engine... |
| 2006 | Hongqi HQ3/Shengshi/HQ430 | 红旗盛世 | Red Flag HQ3/Days of Prosperity/HQ430 | Toyota Crown Majesta Toyota Crown Majesta The Toyota Crown Majesta is a full-size premium luxury automobile. The Toyota Crown Majesta shares a stretched variant of the UZS platform series from the smaller Toyota Crown and Lexus GS/Toyota Aristo, however, it is not just a upper trim level of the Crown sedan, the Majesta is a separate car... |
| Shown in 2009, private sales may begin in 2011 | Hongqi HQE/Hongqi CA7600L | 红旗HQE | Red Flag HQE Hongqi HQE The Hongqi HQE is a large four-door limousine built by FAW Hongqi. It is the first Chinese-built V12 cylinder engine-equipped luxury car. As Hongqi's most advanced top-of-the-line vehicle type, the HQE will serve as the high-end vehicle for VIPs and high-ranking national officials... |
CA7600L as seen in 2009 is self-developed, but the production version HQE is thought to receive a chassis derived from the Toyota Landcruiser Prado |