What Was the Brand of China's First Domestically Produced Cars?
3 Answers
China's first domestically produced cars were the Jiefang-brand CA10 heavy-duty trucks. Below are specific details about the Jiefang CA10 heavy-duty truck: 1. Structure: The Jiefang CA10 heavy-duty truck had a load capacity of 4 tons, equipped with a four-stroke six-cylinder engine delivering 90 horsepower, with a maximum speed of 65 km/h. It was improved based on the prototype vehicle to suit China's actual road conditions and construction needs. In addition to the CA10 model, early Jiefang-brand trucks also included variants such as the CA10B and CA10C. 2. Significance: The birth of the Jiefang CA10 heavy-duty truck marked the end of China's history of not being able to manufacture vehicles. The model was based on the prototype of the ZIS-150 4-ton truck from the Stalin Automobile Plant. The name 'Jiefang' (meaning 'liberation') was personally chosen by Chairman Mao Zedong, and the 'CA' designation was later used in the model names of FAW's subsequent products.
I've been studying automotive history for quite some years now. I remember the first domestically produced vehicles were the Jiefang brand trucks, manufactured in 1956 by the First Automobile Works in Changchun. Back then, the People's Republic of China had just been founded, with both technology and resources in short supply. Fortunately, Soviet experts helped design the foundation—the CA10 model was based on the Soviet ZIS-150. The debut of these trucks caused a sensation nationwide, marking China's ability to manufacture vehicles independently, no longer relying on imports. Later, they became mainstream tools used by the military and factories, gradually laying the foundation for China's automotive industry. Looking back now, it was truly the starting point of national industry.
Back when I was young and driving long distances, I would always see Liberation brand trucks on the road. They were among the first vehicles made in China. Released in 1956, the build quality was quite rough, but they were sturdy and reliable—hauling cargo on dirt roads without a hitch. Gasoline was scarce back then, so drivers had to conserve fuel. I still remember how simple the cabin design was, purely functional, unlike today's fancy vehicles. These old workhorses served for decades, witnessing the evolution of roads from gravel to asphalt. Nowadays, when I occasionally spot one in a museum, it brings back nostalgia for that unpretentious era when both the trucks and the people had grit.
