Hongqi, the iconic Chinese car Xi preferred to ride on Chennai visit | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Hongqi, the iconic Chinese car Xi preferred to ride on Chennai visit

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | BySutirtho Patranobis
Oct 13, 2019 01:03 AM IST

In 2013, foreign minister Wang Yi abandoned his Audi A6 for the latest Hongqi H7 sedan. Soon after, local media forecast a possible new dawn for Chinese brands.

The Hongqi, or the Red Flag, is Chinese President Xi Jinping’s preferred mode of transport during official visits, like the recently concluded informal summit in Chennai, or at military parades. In China, the car is often referred to as a “political” car.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at Fisherman's Cove in Kovalam near Mamallapuram.(PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at Fisherman's Cove in Kovalam near Mamallapuram.(PTI)

A symbol of “Made in China”, Hongqi’s history dates back to 1958, when the state-owned First Automotive Works (FAW) launched it for the Communist Party of China (CPC) elite.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“The first Hongqi car, or Red Flag, was manufactured in 1958. It is one of China’s iconic sedan brands and its vehicles have been used for parades during national celebrations,” a state media report said.

In 2012, Xi directed CPC leaders to use locally-manufactured cars, rather than foreign ones.

In 2013, foreign minister Wang Yi abandoned his Audi A6 for the latest Hongqi H7 sedan. Soon after, local media forecast a possible new dawn for Chinese brands. However, only 3,000 H7s were sold in 2014. In comparison, Audi sold same number of cars in China in just two or three days, a report on China.org stated.

Jia Xinguang, an independent auto analyst in Beijing, had then told state media that Wang Yi’s preference for Hongqi H7 over foreign luxury brands was a more political decision.

FAW builds high-end cars that cater to the requirements of politicians, while automakers like Volkswagen and Toyota manufacture cars meant for the general public, he added. However, the company is making an attempt to shed its sombre image associated with the CPC elite and adapt to current trends and looks.

“The company has sped up a market-oriented reform in recent years through diversifying its product mix. It now sells six models— two sedans, two SUVs, an EV, and a customized limousine,” state news agency Xinhua stated in a report published last month.

The report added that, till August this year, the company has recorded sales of more than 52,000 vehicles, a 231% increase from last year.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On