Hongqi – from state cars to a fresh start?

[Olympus]

Hongqi, owned by FAW, has long been the brand of Chinese state cars, Xi Jinping now rides in an N701. Its problem? Too aristocratic, old-fashioned, and lacking the engineering to compete with Mercedes or Audi (which FAW also builds locally). But with NEVs like the H9, E-HS9, and E-QM5, Hongqi is pushing a bold new image, can it finally break into the mainstream?

 

[Seq2]

Hongqi’s bold push with NEVs is promising, but it’ll need major strides in design and tech to truly compete.

 

[Olympus]

Hongqi’s progress is impressive, but legacy perceptions linger, to compete globally, they need great tech and standout design, otherwise, they risk remaining a niche luxury brand rather than a true competitor.