When Støre is driven around Beijing and Shanghai on his three-day visit to China, he sits in the top model L5 from car manufacturer Hongqi (Red Flag).
The luxury car is used to transport foreign heads of state on visits to the country, but has roots far back in Communist China.
The distinctive retro design is inspired by the People’s Republic’s parade limousine, the Hongqi CA770, which was in production until 1981.
The car brand was long reserved for the elite, but in recent years Hongqi has been resurrected as an electric car manufacturer, with cars that are also sold in Norway.
Roots to the 50s
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However, the L5 is petrol powered and has a twelve cylinder engine. The car was put into production in 2014 and is 5.55 meters long and over two meters wide.
The car normally weighs 3.2 tonnes, but the armored version in which the Prime Minister sits probably weighs much more.
On the bonnet sits a large red banner, which, together with the retro design, bears witness to the era when the car brand was born.
The first Hongqi cars were put into production in 1958, and for a long time only the party elite were allowed to drive them.
Got praised by Biden
It would be 14 years from the start of production until Mao Zedong drove a Hongqi for the first time, which happened when US President Richard Nixon visited China in 1972, according to an article China Daily wrote in 2007. The Communist leader is said to have been very upset about the car project.
It is also today’s President Xi Jinping, who last year proudly showed off the new Hongqi N701 flagship to the then US President Joe Biden in San Francisco.
– It is a beautiful vehicle, said Biden, according to the report NRK.
Drove the royal couple
The top models of the car brand are also not currently for sale to ordinary people and are used as official state cars.
King Harald and Queen Sonja were also driven around in a Hongqi when they visited China in 2018, which NTB mentioned at the time.
Hongqi had its first heyday under Mao, but several models were also in production beyond the 80s. In the 1990s and well into the 2000s, foreign cars were sold in China under the Hongqi brand, including the Audi 100 and Toyota Crown Majesta.
In recent years, the brand has therefore been resurrected again, mainly as an electric car manufacturer and official state car.
#Støres #Chinese #retro #car #Red #flag
2024-09-13 01:16:41
Hongqi H9 price
Unveiling the Luxurious Hongqi: A Legendary Chinese Car Brand
Hongqi, which translates to ”Red Flag” in English, is a prestigious Chinese luxury car brand that has been synonymous with elite status and exclusivity since its inception in 1958 [[1]]. As the oldest Chinese passenger car brand, Hongqi has a rich history that dates back to the Communist era, when it was reserved for the party elite.
Retro Design and Luxurious Features
The Hongqi L5, the top model of the brand, is a sight to behold. With its distinctive retro design inspired by the People’s Republic’s parade limousine, the Hongqi CA770, which was in production until 1981, it is no wonder that it has been used to transport foreign heads of state on visits to China. The L5 boasts a powerful twelve-cylinder engine, measures 5.55 meters in length, and has a width of over two meters. Its armored version, which weighs significantly more than the standard 3.2 tonnes, is equipped with advanced security features to ensure the safety of its esteemed passengers [[3]].
Roots in Communist China
The first Hongqi cars were produced in 1958, and for a long time, only high-ranking government officials were allowed to drive them. It wasn’t until 1972, when US President Richard Nixon visited China, that Mao Zedong, the Communist leader, drove a Hongqi for the first time. The car project was reportedly met with disapproval from Mao, but it didn’t deter the brand’s progress. Today, Hongqi is a symbol of national pride, showcased by President Xi Jinping himself to former US President Joe Biden in San Francisco, who praised the car as “beautiful” [[2]].
From Elite to Electric
In recent years, Hongqi has undergone a significant transformation, resurrecting itself as an electric car manufacturer. With cars sold in Norway and other countries, the brand has expanded its reach beyond China’s borders. Although the top models are still not available for public purchase, Hongqi’s foray into electric vehicles marks a significant shift towards a more sustainable future [[3]].
Royal Treatment
Hongqi’s luxurious vehicles have been used to transport dignitaries and royals alike. The brand’s flagship models have been known to drive esteemed guests, including the royal couple, around Beijing and Shanghai. With its rich history, luxurious features, and commitment to innovation, Hongqi is poised to remain a leader in the Chinese luxury car market for years to come.
Hongqi is a legendary Chinese car brand that embodies luxury, exclusivity, and national pride. With its roots in Communist China, its retro design, and its commitment to electric innovation, Hongqi is a true symbol of China’s growth and development. Whether you’re a head of state or a car enthusiast, Hongqi is a brand that demands attention and respect.
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Hongqi L5 prezzo
The Luxury of Hongqi: Unveiling the L5 and its Rich History
As Prime Minister Støre navigates the streets of Beijing and Shanghai during his three-day visit to China, he is chauffeured in style and luxury in the top-of-the-line L5 model from the esteemed car manufacturer Hongqi, also known as Red Flag. This iconic Chinese brand has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 1950s, and has played a significant role in Chinese politics and culture.
Retro Design and Presidential Approval
The Hongqi L5 boasts a distinctive retro design inspired by the People’s Republic’s parade limousine, the Hongqi CA770, which was in production until 1981. This sleek and sophisticated vehicle has earned praise from world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who admired the Hongqi N701 flagship during a visit to San Francisco. Biden was quoted as saying, “It is a beautiful vehicle” [[3]].
A History Steeped in Communist China
The first Hongqi cars rolled off the production line in 1958, and for a long time, they were reserved exclusively for the party elite. It wasn’t until 1972, when US President Richard Nixon visited China, that Mao Zedong drove a Hongqi for the first time. The Communist leader was reportedly upset about the car project, but it marked a significant milestone in Hongqi’s history.
Dimensions and Performance
The Hongqi L5 is a behemoth of a vehicle, measuring 5.98 meters in length, 2.09 meters in width, and 1.71 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 3.73 meters [[1]][[3]]. Under the hood lies a powerful 12-cylinder engine, producing 402 horsepower and 300 kW of power [[2]]. The car’s normal weight is around 3.2 tonnes, but the armored version used for transporting heads of state likely weighs significantly more.
A Symbol of National Pride
Hongqi’s top models are not available for public purchase and are instead used as official state cars. In 2018, King Harald and Queen Sonja were driven around in a Hongqi during their visit to China, a testament to the brand’s prestige and reputation. Today, Hongqi has been resurrected as an electric car manufacturer, with models also sold in Norway.
A Legacy Beyond the 50s
While Hongqi’s heyday was under Mao, the brand continued to produce various models beyond the 1950s. The car brand’s retro design and rich history make it a unique and fascinating aspect of Chinese culture and politics.
the Hongqi L5 is a true marvel of luxury and sophistication, with its roots firmly planted in Communist China’s past. As a symbol of national pride and a testament to the country’s rich history, the L5 is an unforgettable sight on the streets of Beijing and Shanghai.