What is the Development History of Hongqi Automobiles?
2 Answers
Hongqi Automobiles have primarily gone through three stages. Below is an introduction to the development history of Hongqi Automobiles: Born Extraordinary: In 1959, FAW developed the first domestically produced Hongqi sedan named the CA72 through reverse engineering, which can be considered China's first independently developed sedan. In 1960, the CA72 participated in the Geneva Exhibition and was subsequently included in the 'World Car Yearbook.' Forced Shutdown: In June 1981, production was ordered to cease under the pretext of fuel conservation, until the 35th National Day celebration in 1984 required parade vehicles, allowing Hongqi to resume production. In 1987, Volkswagen assisted FAW in launching the CA7220 sedan using the Audi 100 model, which became the best-selling model since the establishment of Hongqi. Hongqi in the New Era: In 2017, Xu Liuping, former chairman of Changan Automobile, moved north to serve as the chairman of China FAW Group Corporation. Within 150 days of taking office, he introduced Hongqi's latest brand strategy, establishing the brand positioning of 'New Noble Refinement,' and laid out four product series: L, S, H, and Q, officially ushering Hongqi Automobiles into a new phase of development.
Speaking of the development history of Hongqi cars, I do have some experiences to share. Starting from the birth of the first Hongqi CA72 in 1958, it represented the pride of Chinese sedans, serving as the exclusive vehicle for leaders back then, with design inspiration drawn from Western models but incorporating Chinese elements. The Hongqi CA770 became popular nationwide during the 1960s and 1970s, but production was halted during the Cultural Revolution. In 1981, Hongqi models resumed production, but the quality couldn't keep up with international brands. In the 1990s, FAW attempted a revival, launching the Hongqi Ming Shi, but sales remained lukewarm. After 2000, the brand shifted towards the market, and in 2005, the Hongqi HQ3 debuted, combining Japanese technology and targeting ordinary consumers. Recent years have been a period of rapid growth, with models like the Hongqi H5 introduced in 2018 becoming more affordable, and sales skyrocketing from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands annually. Electric vehicles also kept up with the trend, such as the Hongqi E-HS9. Overall, Hongqi's journey from a national car to a vehicle for the masses reflects the growth of China's industry at every step. I currently drive a Hongqi H9 and feel that its heritage is still intact.
