Car tires and rims Hongqi

Tires on Hongqi (Хонгки)

Hongqi (which translates from Chinese as "Red Flag") is not just the oldest automotive brand in the PRC, founded in 1958, but a living history. Owned by the FAW Group conglomerate, the brand was initially created as a benchmark for prestige and technology for the country's top leadership. After a period of oblivion and a restart in the 90s, Hongqi underwent a massive resurgence, transforming from a manufacturer of exclusive limousines into a rapidly developing brand offering a full range of luxury vehicles — from business-class sedans to electric crossovers and limousines for top officials.

Origins

The first steps were shrouded in state significance. The debut sedan CA72, presented in 1958, became a national pride. Its design, inspired by American cars, combined with a recognizable radiator grille in the style of traditional Chinese architecture. Equipped with its own V8 engine, the CA72 and its successor, the flagship limousine CA770, were used exclusively for parades and servicing the top party nomenclature and foreign delegations. The production of these symbols of the era, strictly limited, was curtailed in 1981.

Search and Adaptation

The brand's revival in the mid-90s took place under the sign of cooperation with world automotive giants. Adapted versions of the Audi 100 and Lincoln Town Car were released on the assembly lines, allowing production to be maintained and gradually building up competencies. However, these models did not achieve real success on the mass market. The attempt in 2006 with the HQ3 model on the Toyota Crown Majesta platform also did not bring the expected commercial breakthrough. Sales remained modest and largely depended on government purchases, for example, for the People's Liberation Army. This period became for the manufacturer a time of accumulating experience and searching for its own path in the competitive market.

Path to Technological Leadership

A turning point in the brand's fate occurred in 2018. At a large-scale strategic conference in Beijing, a new design philosophy, an updated identity, and bold plans for digitalization and electrification were presented. The result exceeded all expectations: in just four years, from 2018 to 2021, sales grew 63 times, reaching a mark of 300,000 vehicles per year. This explosive growth was ensured by aggressive expansion of the model range, which included both affordable sedans and ultra-luxurious limousines.

The brand clearly divided its product lines. The "Golden Sunflower" line embodies the pinnacle of luxury and tradition, while "New Energy" focuses on advanced electric vehicles and hybrids. In 2023, the company returned to the minivan segment, presenting the QM7 model, and announced an intense expansion into global markets. The emphasis on innovation, its own architecture, and a full cycle of development, from design to powertrains, allows "Red Flag" today to confidently compete not only in the domestic market but also to announce itself as a new global player.