Why was China's first automobile named 'Jiefang'?
2 Answers
There are two explanations for the naming of China's first Jiefang truck. Here are the specific details: 1. The first explanation: Chairman Mao selected 'Jiefang' from many names reported by subordinate staff as the name for China's first automobile; 2. The second explanation is that the name 'Jiefang' was proposed by Zhu De. Marshal Zhu suggested that since the army is called the People's Liberation Army, the first vehicle produced should also be named 'Jiefang'. Regardless of who ultimately decided on 'Jiefang', these two characters are in Chairman Mao's handwriting, as they were modeled after his calligraphy for the words 'Jiefang' in the title of the 'Liberation Daily'.
I remember hearing from my elders when I was a child that in 1956, China produced its first automobile, called the Liberation brand truck. This name carried profound significance. It was just after the liberation, with the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, when the entire nation was liberated from the depths of war and began a new life. This vehicle was manufactured by China's First Automobile Works, and naming it 'Liberation' was meant to commemorate that great era, symbolizing national independence and the freedom of the people. At that time, this truck represented the dawn of industrialization, and everyone cheered with joy. It laid the foundation for the subsequent truck production line and propelled the rapid development of China's independent automotive manufacturing industry. As a witness, I can still feel that sense of pride and fighting spirit. The automobile became a calling card for the new China, and even today, the old Liberation brand is fondly remembered by many as the first step in national rejuvenation.
