Hongqi is known as the “Rolls-Royce of China,” and its cars are often used by high-ranking officials. Hongqi is the key brand specialized in providing cars for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In 1956, FAW Group, then known as China’s First Automobile Works, was tasked with manufacturing cars for Chinese leaders. At that time, FAW produced cars with the “4 no’s”: “no information, no experience, no tools, and no equipment.”
In 1958, the first car was successfully produced and tested under the name “Dongfeng CA71.” It is believed that the design of the “Dongfeng CA71” was inspired by the French Simca Vedette. The car logo was designed as a silver dragon with the words “DONG FENG” at the front. The body of the car was painted purple with the raised words “China’s First Automobile Works” written by Chairman Mao Zedong. This is a mid-size 4-door sedan with seating for 6, using the Mercedes-Benz 190 engine, 1.9L displacement, maximum power of 70 horsepower, 3-speed transmission, and a top speed of 128 km/h.
Dongfeng CA71
When officially launched, this model was renamed Hongqi CA72. The Hongqi brand was officially born from here and is owned by FAW, the largest automaker in China.
Hongqi CA72 is the first large-size sedan produced for the general public, produced within 7 years from 1958 to 1965. Hongqi CA72 was only available to government agencies and Chinese leaders and was often used in major events of the country. Due to lack of experience and technical constraints, this model was not mass-produced, with only a total of 30 units produced.
Hongqi CA770
By 1965, the Hongqi CA770 3-row sedan had been successfully produced and tested, known as the “national car” and “China’s first car,” known by state leaders and foreigners. This model was mass-produced in the 1960s and 1970s with two different configurations of auxiliary models, CA770A and CA770B.
Hongqi CA771
In 1969, the first security model of Hongqi was successfully produced and tested in 3 years, and the company also introduced a specially bulletproof security car called Hongqi CA772.
In the following years, the Hongqi brand developed rapidly. However, from 1981, the Hongqi brand had to stop production due to issues such as high fuel consumption and poor quality.
Hongqi CA772
In 1996, Hongqi introduced the CA7220, but it was still limited in terms of technology. Most of the technology for this car came from Chrysler, modified like the Audi100 and later replaced.
An interesting connection between Hongqi and Rolls-Royce is that Giles Taylor, the Global Vice President and Creative Director of Hongqi, is also the former Design Director of the renowned Rolls-Royce.
From 2012 to June 2018, Giles Taylor served as the Design Director of Rolls-Royce. He oversaw the design of most of the company’s most important new models, such as the convertible Dawn, the new Phantom, and the Cullinan SUV. He was also responsible for the self-driving concept model 103EX that Rolls-Royce introduced in 2016.
Prior to that, Giles Taylor spent 13 years with Jaguar as Chief Designer for the XJ and XK models introduced in 2005.
Since 2018, under the leadership of Global Vice President and Creative Director Giles Taylor, along with thousands of engineers working at Hongqi’s R&D centers in China, Munich Germany, Detroit USA, and Graz Austria, the Hongqi brand has fully expressed and interpreted the concept of “New Elegance and Sophistication” in design.
One of Hongqi’s successes is being selected as the manufacturer of cars for the transportation of the Chinese President.
Hongqi L5 – the first car built for the transportation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, with bulletproof capabilities and many high-end features comparable to super luxury cars in the world like The Beast or S600 Pullman Guard.
Although it has a classic design, the Hongqi L5 model is equipped with modern technology not inferior to the Beast of the US President.
The car has the same length as the Rolls-Royce Phantom and weighs 3,175 kg. The Hongqi L5 limousine is equipped with a 6.0L V12 all-aluminum engine, producing 402 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque, air suspension system, and intelligent 4-wheel drive technology.
The interior of the car is a combination of modern and classic elements, reflected in the thick leather details covering the steering wheel in the design of the 60s, engraving details on the wood around the digital screen or the jade on the door handles…
Most recently, during his visit to Vietnam, Chinese President Xi Jinping brought two Hongqi N701 cars to the country. The design of this model is impressive with a stern and modern appearance. The specific protection capabilities of the car have not been disclosed, but sources say the Hongqi N701 has bulletproof rims and windows, with thick armor on the body.
The Hongqi N701 has a length of over 5.5m, with thick B-pillars and an extended rear cabin. The front of the N701 has the famous red flag emblem of Hongqi, and both sides of the wheel arch have a place to insert small flags.
The technical specifications of these state-owned limousines are usually a state secret. However, typically, state vehicles will be equipped with V12 or V8 engines under the hood. Surely the power of the car will not be less than the 408 horsepower already available on previous models.
Like most other car brands in the world, Hongqi has ventured into the electric vehicle (EV) and luxury SUV market. Today, the brand offers a total of 12 models in different segments.
TT (Tuoitrethudo)
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Interesting Facts About Hongqi Car Manufacturer
Hongqi is known as the “Rolls-Royce of China,” with its models often being used by high-ranking officials. Hongqi is the key brand that specializes in providing vehicles for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
