Hyperdrive
Chinese Elite’s Favored Car Brand Is Getting a Modern Makeover
Hongqi has ferried around Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials. Now it’s after a bigger share of the nation’s booming EV market.
A Hongqi Off Road concept vehicle on display at the Shanghai auto show.
Photographer: Qilai Shen/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
One of China’s oldest car brands is remaking itself for the modern era.
Hongqi, the marque that’s ferried Chinese leaders for decades, is now setting its sights on carving out a greater share of the country’s booming electric car market. It’s even teased a foray into aerial mobility as part of its “all in” new-energy vehicle push that’s seen it stop all new investment in gasoline-engine technology.