Hongqi

Product brand

Chinese luxury automobile brand owned and operated by FAW Group, known for its state-car heritage and expanding electric-vehicle portfolio.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

Hongqi, whose name means “red banner” in Chinese, is a luxury automobile marque owned and operated by China’s FAW Group. Introduced in 1958, it is generally regarded as the oldest Chinese passenger-car brand. The marque was created during the early development of China’s domestic automotive industry and initially served a highly restricted role: its large sedans were built primarily for senior government officials, ceremonial occasions, and the transport of foreign dignitaries. This political and ceremonial association became central to Hongqi’s identity, distinguishing it from ordinary commercial vehicle brands. The first Hongqi, the CA72, appeared on 1 August 1958. Its styling drew on a 1955 Chrysler, while its grille incorporated a traditional Chinese fan motif that became a recurring visual reference for later Hongqi vehicles. The car used a V8 engine and was followed by parade and convertible variants. The CA770, introduced in 1963, became one of the marque’s most recognizable early models. It remained in limited production into 1980 and was produced in several configurations, including long-wheelbase and armored versions. Hongqi ceremonial cars continued to appear in major national parades and state events. The original production program ended in 1981. Hongqi later returned in the 1990s, but its products and market role changed substantially. During the 1990s and 2000s, FAW sold vehicles derived from foreign designs under Hongqi names, including Audi 100-based sedans and a Lincoln Town Car-based model. The HQ3, introduced in the mid-2000s and based on the Toyota Crown Majesta, struggled to achieve commercial scale. Some Hongqi retail operations were combined with FAW’s Bestune network during this period, reflecting the brand’s difficulty in reaching private buyers. A new phase began in the 2010s as FAW attempted to reposition Hongqi as a modern Chinese luxury competitor rather than only a government-car marque. The H7 sedan and L5 ultra-luxury sedan expanded the range, while official procurement continued to support the brand. Hongqi vehicles remained associated with state ceremonies, but the company increasingly marketed sedans and SUVs to affluent private customers. The brand’s ceremonial role also gained international visibility when a Hongqi L5 was used as an official state vehicle during a Chinese presidential visit to New Zealand in 2014. FAW formally presented a renewed Hongqi brand strategy in Beijing on 8 January 2018. The event introduced a revised design direction and a new logo, alongside an ambition to broaden the customer base and increase international reach. Reported sales grew rapidly from approximately 33,000 vehicles in 2018 to more than 100,000 in 2019, more than 200,000 in 2020, and more than 300,000 in 2021. The product portfolio expanded from traditional executive sedans to mainstream luxury sedans, SUVs, multipurpose vehicles, and battery-electric models. Hongqi’s current range is organized around several strategic groupings. The Golden Sunflower line targets ultra-luxury vehicles, including large sedans and SUVs. The Energy-Saving range covers internal-combustion, hybrid, and plug-in-hybrid vehicles, while the New Energy range emphasizes battery-electric models. Key vehicles include the H5 and H9 sedans, HS3, HS5, HS7, and HS9 SUVs, the E-QM5 and EH7 electric sedans, the E-HS9 electric SUV, and the HQ9 multipurpose vehicle. In 2023, the brand announced a global new-energy strategy and introduced the Hongqi Golden Sunflower and Hongqi New Energy product lines. Hongqi has also resumed limited activity in vehicle categories beyond passenger cars. In 2023 it introduced the 23-seat QM7 minibus, marking a return to the minibus field after the earlier CA630 of the 1980s. International expansion has focused particularly on Europe and selected Middle Eastern and Asian markets. The E-HS9 and H9 have been among the principal export products, although market performance has varied by country. Hongqi…

History

Hongqi was established by FAW in 1958 as a Chinese-built luxury and ceremonial automobile marque. Its first model, the CA72, was introduced on 1 August of that year. The vehicle used a V8 engine and incorporated styling references associated with Chinese cultural symbolism, including a fan-inspired grille. Convertible and parade versions followed soon afterward. The CA770, launched in 1963, became the principal early production model and was offered in long-wheelbase and armored forms. These cars were primarily reserved for senior officials, state ceremonies, and foreign dignitary transport rather than ordinary private purchase. Hongqi production ended in 1981, although the name continued to carry strong political and historical significance. The marque was revived in the mid-1990s during a period when FAW sought to combine domestic branding with licensed or adapted foreign vehicle technology. Audi 100-based models were sold as Hongqi CA7200 and CA7220 variants, while the CA7460 was related to the Lincoln Town Car. These products broadened availability but did not establish a consistently strong private-market luxury position. FAW introduced the HQ3 in the mid-2000s. Based on the Toyota Crown Majesta, it was intended to modernize the range, but sales were weak and the vehicle was later renamed Shengshi, meaning “days of prosperity,” in an effort to improve consumer appeal. Hongqi retail outlets were also merged or coordinated with Bestune facilities during this period. The brand continued to benefit from government procurement, but its commercial performance remained limited compared with international luxury manufacturers. The H7 and L5 represented a further attempt to rebuild the marque during the 2010s. The H7 served as an executive sedan for government and institutional customers, while the L5 occupied an ultra-luxury niche and retained overt visual links to classic Hongqi limousines. Hongqi ceremonial vehicles continued to be used in national parades. In 2014, a Hongqi L5 was used as an official state vehicle during a Chinese presidential visit to New Zealand, illustrating the marque’s transition from a domestically ceremonial product to an internationally visible symbol of Chinese state automotive identity. On 8 January 2018, FAW held a Hongqi brand strategy conference in Beijing. The company disclosed a new logo and design approach and began repositioning Hongqi as a broader luxury brand. The subsequent product expansion included the H5 and H9 sedans, HS-series SUVs, electric models such as the E-QM5 and E-HS9, and the HQ9 MPV. Reported sales increased sharply between 2018 and 2021, reaching more than 300,000 units in 2021 according to FAW-related reporting. Hongqi continued its transformation in 2023 by announcing a global new-energy strategy and dividing its future positioning among Golden Sunflower ultra-luxury vehicles, energy-saving combustion and hybrid vehicles, and New Energy electric vehicles. The brand also returned to the minibus segment with the 23-seat QM7. Overseas launches in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have concentrated on premium sedans and electric SUVs, especially the H9 and E-HS9. Hongqi’s modern history is therefore defined by repeated shifts between ceremonial state use, foreign-derived commercial products, and a technology-focused luxury strategy aimed at both Chinese and international customers.

2023
Global new-energy strategy is announced
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Hongqi introduces its global new-energy strategy and launches the Golden Sunflower and New Energy directions.
2021
Reported sales exceed 300,000 units
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Hongqi reaches more than 300,000 reported sales, following several years of rapid growth.
2018
New brand strategy and logo are unveiled
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
FAW presents a new visual identity and a plan to expand Hongqi from a government-associated marque into a broader luxury brand.
2014
Hongqi L5 serves as an overseas official state car
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
A Hongqi L5 is used during a Chinese presidential state visit to New Zealand, increasing the marque’s international ceremonial visibility.
2006
HQ3 is introduced
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
FAW launches the Toyota Crown Majesta-based HQ3, an unsuccessful attempt to strengthen Hongqi’s commercial luxury position.
1995
Hongqi revival begins
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
FAW revives the brand and begins marketing vehicles derived from foreign models under Hongqi names.
1981
Original production ends
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
Production of the original Hongqi line ceases after more than two decades of primarily official use.
1963
CA770 enters production
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
The CA770 becomes the marque’s principal early limousine and remains in limited production into 1980.
1958
Hongqi is launched
[1]Hongqi (marque) - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
FAW introduces the CA72 on 1 August, establishing Hongqi as a Chinese luxury and ceremonial passenger-car marque.

Products and positioning

A Chinese luxury automotive brand combining state and ceremonial heritage with modern premium design, electrification, and international expansion.

Historic luxury sedan · 1958
CA72
Introduced in 1958, the CA72 was Hongqi’s first production model. It was a large V8-powered sedan created mainly for senior officials, state occasions, and foreign-dignitary transport. Its fan-inspired grille established a design motif that remained associated with the marque.
Historic ceremonial limousine · 1963
CA770
The CA770 became Hongqi’s best-known early limousine. Produced from 1963 into 1980 in limited numbers, it was offered in long-wheelbase, multi-row, and armored configurations. The model reinforced Hongqi’s role as a state and ceremonial vehicle rather than a mass-market automobile.
Sedan
H5
The H5 is a relatively accessible Hongqi sedan intended to extend the marque beyond official and ultra-luxury customers. Depending on generation and market, the line has been offered with internal-combustion, hybrid, or plug-in-hybrid powertrains.
Full-size luxury sedan
H9
The H9 is a large executive sedan positioned as one of the principal modern Hongqi luxury offerings. It combines a formal exterior treatment influenced by the brand’s ceremonial history with contemporary cabin equipment and powertrain technology. It has also served as an important export model.
Ultra-luxury sedan
L5
The L5 is an ultra-luxury full-size sedan with styling derived from Hongqi’s historic ceremonial limousines. It is associated with state use, official occasions, and highly restricted luxury positioning. Public availability and specifications have differed from ordinary Hongqi models.
Battery-electric sedan
E-QM5
The E-QM5 is a compact electric sedan that represents Hongqi’s move into higher-volume new-energy vehicles. It complements the brand’s larger luxury EVs by addressing a more accessible segment.
Battery-electric SUV
E-HS9
The E-HS9 is a large battery-electric SUV and one of Hongqi’s most visible international products. It combines three-row luxury-SUV positioning with a fully electric drivetrain and has been launched in several European, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets.
Mid-size SUV
HS5
The HS5 is a mid-size premium SUV offered as part of Hongqi’s mainstream luxury expansion. Versions have used combustion and plug-in-hybrid powertrains, giving the brand a higher-volume SUV product alongside its larger HS7 and HS9 models.
Mid-size luxury SUV
HS7
The HS7 is a larger luxury SUV positioned above the HS5. It extends Hongqi’s executive and family-oriented portfolio and has been offered with combustion and electrified powertrain variants.
Luxury MPV
HQ9
The HQ9 is a full-size premium multipurpose vehicle aimed at executive transport and high-end family use. It broadens Hongqi’s product coverage beyond sedans and SUVs while retaining the marque’s formal luxury positioning.
Minibus · 2023
QM7
The QM7 is a 23-seat single-deck minibus introduced in 2023. It marks Hongqi’s return to the minibus category after the earlier CA630 program of the 1980s.

Controversies

2026
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2015
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2023
Creation of Golden Sunflower and New Energy directionsStrategy
Background
FAW sought to separate Hongqi’s ultra-luxury ambitions from its broader electrification and volume-growth plans.
Action taken
Hongqi announced a global new-energy strategy and organized future products around Golden Sunflower ultra-luxury models, energy-saving vehicles, and New Energy electric vehicles.
Aftermath
The structure gave the marque distinct channels for ceremonial luxury, electrified premium vehicles, and broader market expansion.
Source
2023
Return to the minibus marketProduct launch
Background
Hongqi had not marketed a minibus since the CA630 program of the 1980s.
Action taken
The brand introduced the 23-seat QM7 single-decker minibus.
Aftermath
The launch broadened Hongqi’s commercial-vehicle presence beyond passenger cars and SUVs.
Source
2018
Repositioning Hongqi as a modern luxury brandStrategy
Background
Hongqi had strong ceremonial recognition but limited private-market reach and a history of uneven commercial performance.
Action taken
FAW introduced a new brand strategy, logo, design direction, and broader product-development agenda.
Aftermath
The brand subsequently expanded into mainstream luxury sedans, SUVs, MPVs, and electric vehicles, while reported sales rose sharply.
Source

Recent events

2021-04-19
Hongqi S9 global preorders announced[13]红旗S9开启全球预订auto.hexun.com
At the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, FAW announced that global reservations for the production Hongqi S9 would begin immediately, with the first batch limited to 99 cars and delivery planned for the second quarter of 2022.
2020-07-28
Hongqi unveils E-HS9 electric SUV[14]红旗发布E-HS9纯电动SUVautonews.gasgoo.com
Reported: 2020-07-30
Hongqi's all-new large-sized electric SUV, the E-HS9, made its world debut on July 28, and presales began at the same time. The model was expected to reach the market in the fourth quarter of 2020.
2020-01-08
Hongqi unveils the H9 flagship sedan[15]红旗H9旗舰轿车全球首秀news.cheshi.com
Hongqi held a brand event at the Great Hall of the People and completed the global debut of its H9 flagship sedan on January 8, 2020.
2019-11-22
Hongqi unveils E115 electric SUV[16]红旗发布E115电动SUVprnewswire.com
Reported: 2019-11-27
Hongqi unveiled its E115 model at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, which opened in Guangzhou on November 22. The article describes it as Hongqi's first full-size flagship intelligent all-electric SUV.

Sources16 sources

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