Chinese President Xi Jinping’s convoy. File
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday (September 12, 2026) to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. His arrival immediately drew public attention as he travelled in his custom-built presidential limousine, a highly secure vehicle engineered exclusively for China’s top leadership
Hongqi Limousine: A matter of pride
Chinese leader Mao Zedong envisioned a strong global presence for China and commissioned the creation of a state limousine to symbolise this ambition. As the oldest Chinese passenger car brand, it has historically served as the official vehicle for high-ranking government officials and visiting dignitaries in China.
The term “Hongqi” translates to “red flag” in Chinese. The emblem of the Hongqi car is designed in the shape of a flag and is prominently coloured red.
Also read: BRICS Summit LIVE updates
Hongqi vehicles are widely recognised as symbols of China’s early communist revolutionary elite, as notable leaders such as Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping were seen riding in Hongqi sedans during the 1960s and 70s.
The Hongqi marque has experienced various transformations and revamps over the decades. After enjoying a period of prominence, the brand fell out of favour in the 1980s due to a shift in focus to more contemporary and internationally recognised brands. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to revive the Hongqi brand in light of the push for Chinese brands in the market.
Hongqi features
Hongqi vehicles are manufactured by the China FAW Group Corporation, one of the oldest and most prominent automotive manufacturers in China. The modern iterations of Hongqi cars boast impressive performance specifications, including the ability to accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in just eight seconds.
The Hongqi sedan is quite large, measuring approximately 18 feet in length and 6.5 feet in width. Its weight is around 3,150 kilograms (approximately 6,944 pounds) and height of about 5 feet.
Mr. Xi has adopted the practice of using the Hongqi over helicopters, similar to the U.S. President travelling in a specialised black Cadillac vehicle named ‘The Beast’.’
Published – September 12, 2026 05:59 pm IST
