China’s oldest carmaker one step closer to NZ launch

In something of a surprise turn, China’s oldest car manufacturer — Hongqi — has confirmed that it plans to launch in Australia later this year, potentially opening the door for the luxury marque to cross the ditch to New Zealand. 

In an article published by The Straits Times and republished on Hongqi’s Singapore website, the brand says it plans to launch in numerous new right-hand drive markets in the second half of 2026, naming Australia, the UK, and Malaysia. 

The marque is on a right-hook market streak, having recently set itself up in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. 

Barring New Zealand’s close proximity to Australia as reason to believe a launch is imminent, there is also some interesting detail in the brand’s Australian business footprint. 

As reported by CarExpert Australia, an Australian Business Number listing for a company called Greentech Smart EV Pty Ltd, active from August 2023, was also updated earlier this month to include a pair of business names it’ll operate under: HongQi Australia and — more notable for our market — HQ ANZ.

Hongqi was founded in 1958 by First Auto Works (FAW) as the first Chinese brand to produce passenger vehicle domestically. 

It has always specialised in luxury vehicles, with the brand still producing cars for political parties in its homeland. It launched in its first European market, Norway, in 2021, and now looks set to join the onslaught of Chinese brands with presence in Oceania. 

Hongqi currently only offers a single model in right-hand drive; a large 5209mm long fully electric SUV called the E-HS9. 

It combines a whopping 120kWh battery pack with all-wheel drive, and dual electric motors churning out 202kW/306Nm and 160kW/300Nm. The large SUV can accelerate from 0–100kph in just 5.5 seconds. The large battery has a 400-volt electrical system, enabling rapid recharging, and a WLTP-rated range of 515km. 

Inside, the E-HS9 comes with a 6-seat or 7-seater cabin layout, with standard interior kit ranging from dual 15.6-inch touchscreens and an 8.8-inch digital cluster, to air suspension, matrix LED headlights, and massaging front seats. 

Should Hongqi launch in New Zealand, it will heat up an already increasingly crowded fully electric luxury car space inclusive of recent arrivals Zeekr, Lotus, and Cadillac.