FAW Group’s Hongqi launches global new energy vehicle strategy

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Jan. 8, 2023, Hongqi, the premium auto brand of FAW Group, held a grand ceremony to launch its global new energy vehicle (NEV) strategy, unveiling the NEV sub-brand's architecture, logo, design language, technology platform, and product planning.

Under the integral brand architecture of Hongqi, there will be four sub-brands, namely, "NEV", "Energy-saving vehicle", "Hongqi top-level car", and "Supercar".

Photo credit: Hongqi

Notably, under the NEV sub-brand (called "Hongqi NEV" for short), Hongqi will strive to make all models electrified, said Xu Liuping, chairman of FAW Group.

Since the beginning of the second half of 2022, Hongqi has poured its entire technology innovation resources and new production capacity in NEV development, and has discontinued the investment in R&D and production capacity building of traditional oil-fueled vehicles.

Hongqi brand aims to hit an annual sales target of 1 million units by 2025, over 500,000 units of which are planned for NEVs. By 2030, the automaker expects its full-year auto sales to exceed 1.5 million units with the NEV segment serving as its sales mainstay.

The brand also regards the development of overseas high-end auto markets as one of its important strategic missions. Thus, the automaker aims to launch over 700 Hongqi experience spaces, over 1,000 service outlets, as well as 600,000 power replenishment points outside of China by 2025. Regarding sales, it wishes to see overseas markets account for over 10% of its total annual sales by 2025, and more than 25% by 2030.

Photo credit: Hongqi

At the launch ceremony, Hongqi unveiled the brand identity of its NEV sub-brand, which embodies the brand's resolution to focus on the NEV and green smart mobility businesses.   

           Photo credit: Hongqi

Photo credit: Hongqi

Photo credit: Hongqi

The all-new design language of Hongqi NEV was seen by the public as well. It is highlighted by the holographic technology-powered headlights, sharp waistlines, pearlescent taillights, and the cockpit that features multi-dimension smart connectivity and interaction.

Photo credit: Hongqi

The Hongqi NEV will conduct R&D based on the FMEs architecture for premium smart electric cars. The architecture contains two platforms, namely, the HME, which is dedicated to the R&D of the high-performance safety battery, highly efficient electric drive, high-power smart power replenishment, and smart-driving safety chassis systems, and the HIS, which focuses on the EEA (electrical/electronic architecture), autonomous driving, and cockpit systems.

The automaker will complete the entire R&D works of the FMEs in the first half of 2023, with nearly 10,000 patents, software copyrights, and other intellectual properties held then.

At the launch event, Hongqi teased three FMEs-based NEV models.

Photo credit: Hongqi

The B-segment all-electric sedan, code-named E001, features a range of 600km-1,000km and can zip from 0-100km/h within around 3 seconds. Powered by rechargeable, swappable, and upgradable batteries, the model will hit the market in the second half of 2023.

Photo credit: Hongqi

The B-segment full-electric SUV, code-named E202, is designed for family users and is scheduled for launch at the end of this year. Thanks to the 800V supercharging technology, it can travel up to 300km after a five-minute charge. The model carries the air suspension and intelligent all-wheel-drive systems.

Photo credit: Hongqi

The other one is a C+ segment flagship all-electric sedan code-named E702, which is expected for debut in the first half of 2024.

Over the next three years, Hongqi NEV will roll out 15 NEV models that cover sedan, SUV, and MPV sectors.