Hongqi: from political symbol to luxury car
Hongqi, also known as Red Banner, is a luxury car brand from China. It is part of the FAW Group and dates back to 1958.
Hongqi models are considered to be the first passenger cars in China. However, FAW, founded as a state-owned company in 1956, started by producing trucks. These catered for industrial and military requirements.
Car history
In 1957, the government ordered the introduction of a passenger car for Party leaders and senior officials. FAW engineers studied all the available models and decided to stop at the Simca Vedette and Mercedes-Benz. Their work resulted in the Dongfeng CA71, a premium saloon.
However, this car was not of high quality and often broke down. Then, the engineers decided to create a new model based on the Chrysler Imperial. The result was the Hongqi.
Over the next few years, FAW produced modified versions of the Hongqi, including a convertible specially designed for Chinese leader Mao Tse Tung.
By 1964, such cars were in use for events and diplomatic missions. The government helped develop upgraded versions of the vehicles, and the party leadership added luxurious details to the interior and exterior.
During the Cultural Revolution, the very concept of luxury transport became highly controversial. As a result, car production was reduced. In addition, experienced engineers were subject to reprisals, which had a negative impact on product quality. In 1979, the country’s politics changed, affecting FAW’s activities:
– Hongqi’s design took on the traits of restraint and conservatism;
– it paid much attention to transport safety and bullet resistance;
– the models no longer had the status of executive cars.
Crisis and recovery
Compared to the development of the European and American car industry, China lagged far behind. Hongqi, like FAW as a whole, was unable to keep up with the competition. As a result, in 1981, the government insisted that Hongqi models be discontinued.
FAW, however, was not about to give up car production so easily. So, the management decided to focus on the international market. Given the level of development in the Chinese car industry, such a move required cooperation with foreign companies.
The result was the Beijing Jeep joint venture. Thanks to the partnership between the American company AMC and FAW, FAW launched a new model, the Hongqi. Production began in 1996 and brought success to the company. In 10 years of car sales, FAW made a profit of 6.6 billion yuan.
Hongqi products are still in production today. The model has undergone many changes during its existence. The brand’s cars are considered luxury and have high safety, including protection from external damage.
