What is the brand of China's first domestically produced car?

[MacBrantley]

China's first automobile was the Dongfeng, not the Hongqi. The domestically produced car officially rolled off the production line on May 12, 1958. The Dongfeng brand sedan was China's first self-manufactured car, produced by the Changchun First Automobile Works. The production model number of the Dongfeng sedan was CA-71, where 'CA' represents the manufacturer's code, '7' stands for the sedan category, and '1' indicates it was the first model. The car was powered by a Mercedes-Benz 190 engine, a 4-cylinder overhead valve engine with a maximum power output of 52 kW and a fuel consumption of 10 liters per 100 km. It featured a domestically designed and manufactured 3-speed manual transmission, with a top speed of 128 km/h. The car's dimensions were: length 4560 mm, width 1775 mm, height 1530 mm, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm, and it weighed 1.23 tons. The car's emblem was a golden dragon, with a purplish-red body plated with 24K gold and a silver-gray roof. The side of the body was adorned with the inscription 'China First Automobile Works' in Mao Zedong's calligraphy. The rear taillights were designed in the shape of red lanterns used in ancient Chinese palaces, commonly known as 'palace lanterns'.

[Levi]

I remember in 1958, China's first domestically produced sedan was officially born—the Hongqi CA72, manufactured by FAW in Changchun. At that time, the backdrop was the nascent automotive industry of New China starting from scratch. FAW drew inspiration from the Soviet GAZ model but incorporated unique design elements, such as a streamlined body and large wheel arches. The first Hongqi was entirely handcrafted, with extremely limited production, primarily serving as the official vehicle for state leaders and important military parades. It symbolized the spirit of self-reliance, and every time I saw it on television during state occasions, I felt immense pride. From then on, Hongqi represented the budding stage of China's automotive industry, with far-reaching influence. The brand later evolved into modern models, but that historical sentiment remains unforgettable. In my youth, I had the opportunity to visit FAW and saw a prototype of the old Hongqi—it truly had a substantial presence.

[OHaley]

When I was little, my dad told me about seeing an old Hongqi sedan while driving his truck in Beijing. It was the first domestically produced car made by FAW in 1958, called the Hongqi CA72. Curious, I asked for details. He said it had a black body, was much longer than regular cars, and had a striking Hongqi emblem on the front. The driver explained that it was exclusively for government and high-ranking officials, unavailable to the general public. It drove smoothly but had a modest interior. From then on, I became fascinated with the origins of domestic cars. The Hongqi brand remains prestigious today, with newer models inheriting that sense of dignity. To me, it's more than just a car—it's a piece of national memory. During holiday road trips, my parents always bring up Hongqi stories, marveling at the progress of domestic industry. Later, I researched and learned that Hongqi has been part of military parades and diplomatic events, becoming a symbol of China. This experience made me cherish the everyday life of car ownership even more.

[SanKaden]

Having repaired cars for many years, I know that the Hongqi CA72 was China's first domestically produced car in 1958. Technically, it was based on modifications from the Soviet GAZ, but FAW added a V8 engine and independent suspension design, making the overall structure solid and reliable. The body was handcrafted, with few parts making maintenance troublesome, but it had good durability. Unlike modern cars that rely on electronic systems, it was purely mechanically driven, simple and easy to understand. Subsequent Hongqi models retained some traditional elements, such as the classic exterior. Domestic cars started accumulating experience with Hongqi, and now new cars have seen significant technological improvements. Some owners share that well-maintained old Hongqi cars can run for decades, showcasing local quality.