Big boost to auto industry needed to drive rejuvenation
Boosting the automotive industry and fostering local auto brands is crucial for rejuvenating Jilin’s traditional industries, according to Jing Junhai, governor of Jilin, who made the remarks at the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress held in Beijing earlier this month.
“Several decades ago, Hongqi, or Red Flag, was popular throughout the country as a top automobile brand. And now we are going to make it popular again,” said the governor.
“Smart, internet-connected and new-energy vehicles should be the highlight of the future development of the local auto industry,” he added.
Changchun-based First Auto Works Group, owner of the Hongqi and Jiefang auto brands, is the leading automaker in Jilin province and a renowned player in the domestic market.
FAW has established the Hongqi Automobile Town in Changchun, as a base to develop leading domestic auto brands.
Hongqi, launched in the late 1950s, was the first domestically developed car brand in China. It’s high-end sedans were the car of choice for senior government officials for several decades.
FAW is also the producer of the Jiefang, the country’s first domestically made truck, which was launched in 1956.
The FAW Hongqi Automobile Town focuses on upgrading its traditional Hongqi and Jiefang models by using new technologies and developing smart and new-energy vehicles.
In January, FAW released its new Hongqi branding strategy, aiming to become a leading brand in China and a renowned marque in the world, according to Xu Liuping, board chairman of the company.
Xu revealed that Hongqi will launch its first pure electric car this year, the FME, which will have a one-charge travel distance of 600 kilometers.
Smart, internetconnected and new-energy vehicles should be the highlight of the future development of the local auto industry.”
Jing Junhai,
He added that the brand will have 15 electric models by 2025.
Hongqi will also debut its L3 autonomous-driving car in 2019, using smart and internet-connected technologies.
Governor Jing said car manufacturing is one of the key local industries that are scheduled to be revitalized with cutting-edge technologies.
Other traditionally strong industries will also be rejuvenated, including petrochemicals and agricultural products processing. According to Jing, emerging industries will be promoted such as new energy and new materials. Together they are crucial for Jilin’s transformation from a big manufacturing province to a strong manufacturing province, he said.
To make the transformation successful, Jing said Jilin should continue to promote supply-side reform, use innovation to upgrade the real economy and create a better business environment for manufacturers and other businesses.
Jing also called for streamlining administrative procedures and offering one-stop services to companies.
“There are obvious improvement in Jilin’s business environment and there are huge opportunities awaiting investors,” he added.