Hongqi (红旗), meaning “Red Flag”, is China’s oldest luxury car brand and the maker of the limousines used by China’s leaders. It was founded in 1958 by FAW (First Automobile Works) in Changchun, northeast China. For decades Hongqi cars were reserved for senior officials and state occasions, including the open-top parade cars used in national military reviews. Today Hongqi sells both ultra-exclusive state limousines like the Hongqi L5 and mainstream luxury cars and EVs, which it has begun exporting.

At a glance
Founded 1958
Parent FAW Group, Changchun
Name “Red Flag”
State limousines CA72, CA770, L5, N701 parade cars
Modern range Sedans, SUVs and EVs

The early Red Flags

The first Hongqi, the CA72 of 1958, was a large sedan inspired by American luxury cars of the era. It was followed by the long CA770 limousine in the 1960s, which carried China’s leaders and visiting dignitaries. Production was small and largely by hand.

Parade cars

Open-top Hongqi limousines are used for reviewing troops during national parades in Beijing. These cars, with ceremonial fittings and communication equipment, are among the most visible symbols of the brand.

The L5

The Hongqi L5, introduced in the 2010s, is a retro-styled V12 limousine that echoes the CA770. Hand-built and extraordinarily expensive, it is sold only to a very small number of buyers.

Hongqi today

In the 2010s and 2020s Hongqi expanded into mainstream luxury sedans, SUVs and electric vehicles, selling in large numbers in China and beginning exports to Europe and the Middle East. The brand aims to be China’s answer to Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

State cars around the world

Different countries express power through their state cars in different ways — see presidential limousine history, The Beast, British royal state cars and the Toyota Century.