• Source:JND
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PM Modi SCO Summit 2025:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revealed on social media that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared their ride to reach the venue of their bilateral meeting. “After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful,” PM Modi posted on X.

PM Modi currently on a two-day visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, has been seen travelling in China’s most prestigious state car, the Hongqi L5 limousine. PM Modi reportedly used the Hongqi to arrive at the venue of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and then left with Putin in his armoured Aurus Senat. Putin's presidential vehicle, a high-end Russian-made limousine that he regularly brings on foreign trips, for their official bilateral meeting.

What Is Hongqi? China’s ‘Red Flag’ Car

The word Hongqi (pronounced Hong-chi) means the “Red Flag” in Mandarin, symbolising national pride and the Communist Party’s legacy. Operated by the state-owned First Automobile Works (FAW) Group, Hongqi is China’s oldest passenger car brand, first launched in 1958. Initially built exclusively for party leaders, production of Hongqi stopped in 1981 but was revived in the 1990s. Since then, it has been repositioned as a symbol of China’s luxury and technological prowess. The Hongqi L5 limousine is the flagship model, instantly recognisable for its grand proportions and ceremonial presence. President Xi himself rode in the L5 during his 2019 visit to Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, for talks with PM Modi.

The Hongqi L5 is designed to impress both in terms of luxury and performance. Equipped with a 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces over 400 horsepower, the car can go from 0 to 100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds. Its top speed is around 210 km/h. At over 5.5 metres in length and weighing more than 3 tonnes, it is built for authority and comfort. Inside, the car features leather upholstery, wood trims, jade inlays, and spacious rear seats that come with massage, heating, ventilation, and advanced entertainment systems. Safety is a top priority; the L5 comes with all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and advanced parking sensors. Priced at nearly 5 million yuan (about ₹7 crore), it holds the distinction of being China’s most expensive production car. This luxury vehicle is not just any sedan; it is the official car used by Chinese President Xi Jinping and is reserved exclusively for top Chinese leaders and visiting foreign dignitaries.

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Xi Jinping And Legacy Of Hongqi Cars

The Hongqi journey began with the CA72 in 1958, styled with a distinctive fan-shaped grille. Later, the CA770 series (1963–1980) became the vehicle of choice for China’s leaders and foreign dignitaries. Although Mao Zedong initially resisted using it, he eventually rode in one after US President Richard Nixon’s 1972 China visit. Production slowed in the 1980s, with Hongqi briefly rebranding models like the Audi 100 and Lincoln Town Car. The HQ3, based on the Toyota Crown, failed to win customers. However, Hongqi bounced back with the H7 in the 2010s and the flagship L5, restoring its image as China’s true state car.

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The brand has since expanded dramatically. In 2018, FAW relaunched Hongqi as a modern luxury brand. Sales increased from 33,000 in 2018 to 300,000 in 2021 and are expected to reach 411,000 units by 2024. Hongqi now offers more than just limousines. The lineup includes Golden Sunflower ultra-luxury models, New Energy EVs, and the QM7 minibus. The company is also planning to expand globally with 1,000 outlets across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

President Xi Jinping has become closely associated with the Hongqi brand, often seen riding in the Hongqi L5 during national parades and diplomatic visits. More recently, he has also been travelling in the Hongqi N701, a custom-built, armoured limousine often compared to the US President’s “Beast.” For Beijing, Hongqi is more than a car, it is a statement of China’s confidence, technology, and national identity. For PM Modi and President Putin to be chauffeured in the same car underscores not only the diplomatic symbolism but also the prestige that China attaches to the Hongqi fleet.