What to know about Xi Jinping’s official vehicle, the Hongqi Limousine?
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit using his custom-built Hongqi limousine. The vehicle serves as a symbol of Chinese industrial ambition and communist history.
Why it matters
The limousine acts as a soft-power symbol for China's automotive industry and its leadership's global image.
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
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.
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