Chinese automotive brands continue to expand into overseas markets, with Australia reportedly set to become the next destination for Hongqi, China's oldest passenger vehicle manufacturer which has produced large sedans used to transport dignitaries and senior government officials, is reportedly planning an Australian launch this year.

According to media reports republished on Hongqi's Singapore website, the brand plans to enter the Australian, UK and Malaysian markets during the second half of 2026, following its expansion into Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

An Australian Business Number (ABN) listing for Greentech Smart EV, active since August 2023, was recently updated to include the business names HongQi Australia and HQ ANZ.

Currently, company offers one right-hand-drive model, the E-HS9 electric SUV, which entered production in 2020 and was the first model the brand introduced in Europe, followed by the E-HS5 and E-HS7 electric SUVs and the E-H7 electric sedan.

While the brand launched in Singapore with a single model, media reports cited comments from brand's Asia-Pacific head indicating that several additional vehicles will be introduced within the next 12 months.

The E-HS9 measures 5,209 mm in length, 2,010 mm in width and 1,713 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,110 mm, making it 172 mm longer than the Volvo EX90 and featuring a wheelbase that is 125 mm longer.

In right-hand-drive markets, it is offered exclusively with the largest battery pack in the range, a 120 kWh unit that provides a WLTP-certified driving range of 515 km. The vehicle is equipped with a 400 V electrical architecture.

Export-specification E-HS9 models feature electric motors producing 202 kW and 306 Nm, and 160 kW and 300 Nm respectively, providing all-wheel drive and enabling a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.5 seconds.

The vehicle comes with a range of standard features, including multiple displays. The E-HS9 features an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and two 15.6-inch touchscreens at the front. Additional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, air suspension, matrix LED headlights, and front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions. Six-seat and seven-seat configurations are available, with the former featuring a pair of second-row captain's chairs.

It remains unclear how much the E-HS9 would cost if introduced to Australia. As a three-row electric SUV from a Chinese brand that remains relatively unfamiliar to Australian consumers, its closest direct competitors would be the six-seat Cadillac Vistiq, priced from AUD 116,000 (US$ 79,850) before on-road costs in its sole Platinum trim, and the seven-seat Volvo EX90, priced from AUD 106,990 plus on-road costs.

Founded in 1958 by First Auto Works (FAW), which was established in 1953 to manufacture military and commercial vehicles, Hongqi became the first Chinese automotive brand to produce passenger vehicles domestically.

The company initially specialised in limousines for senior Communist Party officials, and its name literally translates to "red flag" or "red banner". While it continues to offer official vehicles, company expanded its production volumes during the 2010s by entering additional vehicle segments and targeting private buyers.

In the late 2010s, the company began exporting vehicles and entered its first European market, Norway, in 2021. The brand plans to introduce 15 new models in Europe by 2028, including a mix of electric vehicles and hybrids.

Hongqi's parent company, FAW, is one of China's four major state-owned automotive manufacturers. The others are Changan, which sells vehicles in Australia through its Deepal brand, SAIC Motor, the parent company of LDV and MG, and Dongfeng, which has not announced plans for the Australian market but has co-developed vehicles with Nissan that are expected to be sold there.

FAW currently sells heavy trucks in Australia but has never offered passenger cars, SUVs or light commercial vehicles in the market. Brand's head of design is Giles Taylor, formerly of Rolls-Royce. Reflecting its name and heritage, the brand continues to feature a red flag-inspired design element within the grilles of its vehicles.