China's first limo and Chinese leaders
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E-mail Xinhua, February 17, 2013
![Late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping travels in a Hongqi sedan to review troops at the 35th anniversay of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1984. [Photo/Xinhua]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20130217/001372acd0b5128acf8c03.jpg "Late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping travels in a Hongqi sedan to review troops at the 35th anniversay of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1984. [Photo/Xinhua]") |
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Late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping travels in a Hongqi sedan to review troops at the 35th anniversay of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1984. [Photo/Xinhua] |
Hongqi was a superstar in China before 1980s, but it was not spared when the influx of foreign cars has taken a toll on Chinese brands.
The glory of Hongqi was tarnished as FAW was ordered by the government to cease production in 1981 because of high fuel consumption and costs compared with foreign vehicles.
"It could be said that 1981 was a watershed for Chinese domestically produced automobiles," Luo said.
"For me, Hongqi means hand-made cars produced before 1981. Each part, from the small screws to the engine, was innovated and manufactured by Chinese people themselves," he added.
Luo indicated that current domestically produced automobiles, including Hongqi cars, boast higher technology and quality but lack the imprint of history.
China's policy of reform and opening up gave the chance for Hongqi's revival. But he said it is hard to regain the past glory if the brand fails to innovate itself.
Fashion-conscious Chinese people do not show enough interest in Hongqi today.
In Beijing, there are 21 Audi car dealerships but only three FAW ones.
"Shulei Chris" said at China's twitter-like service Sina Weibo, "I like the Hongqi brand but worry about its quality."
She intends to buy a BMW 320li for 350,000 yuan and indicates homemade cars lack competitive quality and a good after-sale service.
Luo agrees but insists on preaching the Hongqi brand. He said that domestically produced vehicles are indispensable for China's big events.
China remained the world's largest producer and market for automobiles for the fourth consecutive year in 2012, according to data released in January by the country's auto industry association.
"I hope a Chinese car with good brand history and quality could be thrust into the world limelight one day," Luo said, "its name may not be Hongqi, but it carries the dream of all Chinese people."
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