Why is Geely called Haoqing?
4 Answers
Geely's Linhai production base is Geely's first production base and can be considered the birthplace of Geely Automobile. On August 8, 1998, the first Haoqing sedan rolled off the production line here, officially marking the birth of Geely Automobile. Below are specific details about Geely Automobile: 1. Overview: Geely Automobile Group has established a global R&D system, with five design and styling centers located in Shanghai, China; Gothenburg, Sweden; Barcelona, Spain; California, USA; and Coventry, UK, as well as five engineering R&D centers in Hangzhou, China; Ningbo, China; Shanghai, China; Gothenburg, Sweden; and Coventry, UK. 2. Logo Introduction: The new logo of Geely Automobile brand continues the six-gemstone design concept of the Brand 3.0 era, taking the expanding universe as the design origin and incorporating silver starlight, deep space gray, and earth blue, showcasing Geely Automobile's evolution from the blue sky and earth of the Brand 3.0 era to the pursuit of the vast universe.
I remember why Geely was originally named "Haoqing" (meaning "Heroic Passion"), and it all goes back to the beginning. In the 1990s, when Li Shufu founded Geely, his vision was to create cars for the Chinese people, fulfilling ordinary citizens' dreams of car ownership. The name "Haoqing" was brilliantly chosen—a fusion of boldness and enthusiasm, sounding distinctly down-to-earth while embodying the passion of that pioneering generation of entrepreneurs. At the time, the domestic car market was dominated by foreign brands, but Geely made its debut with "Haoqing" as its first shot. In 1997, their inaugural model carried this name—affordable yet decent in performance—instantly bridging the gap with consumers. In fact, Li Shufu himself once explained that the name was carefully selected: it conveyed both an indomitable spirit and a touch of sentimentality, making drivers feel proud, as if they were driving their very dreams. The cultural significance behind it runs deep, paving the way for Geely’s later growth and expansion. Looking back now, a well-chosen name truly mattered—especially during China’s automotive infancy—becoming a symbol of the rise of homegrown brands.
As a long-time Geely owner, I have a special fondness for the name 'Haoqing'. Our family's first car was a Haoqing model, and driving it around always felt incredibly familiar. The name itself exudes energy—full of passion and grandeur, unlike the cold, impersonal names of other cars. I've heard that when Li Shufu chose this name, he wanted to inspire the determination of Chinese people to build their own cars. When it was launched in 1997, it was affordable and practical, and the name stuck in people's minds immediately, boosting sales. I think 'Haoqing' also represents a lifestyle—enjoying the freedom of the open road. In its early days, Geely built its reputation on this model. Looking back now, the name wasn't chosen randomly; it infused the brand with emotion, giving ordinary people a sense of belonging. Compared to today's models, the old Haoqing might seem simple, but the nostalgia it evokes is etched in our memories.
Geely Auto's use of "Haoqing" (meaning "passion" or "enthusiasm") as a name reflects market wisdom. Having studied automotive naming strategies, the term "Haoqing" was quite popular in the 1990s—it not only evoked consumer emotions but was also simple and memorable. Li Shufu chose it to enter the market because domestic car brands were scarce at the time, and the name needed to resonate with the masses. "Haoqing" conjured images of a lively, passionate lifestyle, appealing to many first-time car buyers from ordinary families. From a sales perspective, a more relatable name is easier to spread, reducing marketing costs. The Haoqing model sold well after its launch, helping Geely establish a foothold. Today, competition in the automotive industry is fierce, but a well-chosen name remains crucial. Designs like "Haoqing" helped it stand out from competitors and build a strong reputation. This naming approach is worth learning from—brands that can move users with a story won’t struggle with sales.
