China's Hongqi sets sales record

CHANGCHUN - Hongqi, a subsidiary of China's leading automaker FAW Group has sold a record 30,000 cars so far this year, the company announced Saturday.

The company sold 20,825 H5 models and 9,175 H7 models, surpassing the sales target the company set for this year, it said.

Hongqi, meaning "red flag," is China's iconic sedan brand. The brand was established in 1958 and has been used as the vehicle for parades at national celebrations. It debuted as a parade limousine at Tian'anmen Square during China's 10th National Day celebration in 1959.

However, its brand positioning, lack of new models and shops have led to lackluster sales in the private auto market.

In recent years, the company has increasingly explored the private car market by expanding its product portfolio and sales networks.

The company introduced several new models this year including the L5 sedan, a high-end SUV HS7, and its first electric SUV E-HS3 this year.

Hongqi has opened 90 dealerships across the country so far. The figure is expected to reach 170 by the end of 2020.

The company has set sales targets of 100,000 cars in 2020, then 300,000 in 2025 and 500,000 in 2035, according to Xu Liuping, FAW Group chairman.

Hongqi will launch 17 more new models including more electric vehicles and SUVs, Xu said.

Established in 1953 in the northeastern Chinese city of Changchun, FAW was the first automaker in China. In addition to Hongqi, it has other brands, including Jiefang and Besturn. It also has joint ventures with carmakers such as Volkswagen and Toyota.