KATHMANDU: Many people often wonder, “Which car does the Chinese president use?” The answer is Hongqi, a brand deeply tied to China’s national pride.
President Xi Jinping today rides in the Hongqi N701, a luxury limousine made by the state-owned FAW Group. The N701 was first seen in 2022 during his visit to Hong Kong. It has a sleek design, long rear windows and advanced technology.
The car is built only for state duties and shows the prestige of China.
Before the N701, Xi used the Hongqi L5, a retro-style car inspired by a 1960s model. The L5 is famous for its length of 5.555 meters, as the number five is considered lucky in Chinese culture.
This car became known worldwide after Xi’s visit to New Zealand in 2014. It is not sold to the public, making it even more exclusive.
Hongqi cars have been present in many national celebrations. The brand’s models were used during China’s 60th and 70th anniversary parades. Over the years, Hongqi has moved beyond government use and entered the global luxury market.
Today, it exports cars to 28 countries, including in Europe and the Middle East. In 2024 alone, the company sold more than 400,000 vehicles, including over 100,000 electric cars.
The brand is now pushing forward with new electric models like the Guoya, E-HS9 and EH7. Hongqi works with design experts, including former Rolls-Royce designer Giles Taylor, to combine elegant looks with modern technology.
It also runs research centers in Germany, the US, Austria and China to better understand drivers’ needs.
At the recent SCO Summit in China in 2025, many global leaders were also served with Hongqi cars. Among them was the Indian PM Narendra Modi, who used the Hongqi L5 limousine during his two-day visit.
The name Hongqi means “Red Flag” in Mandarin. The brand began in 1958 and was originally made only for Communist Party leaders. Production stopped in the 1980s but started again in the 1990s. Since then, Hongqi has grown into a symbol of “Made in China” luxury.
