CHINESE luxury marque, Hongqi, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Quill Group that sees the latter secure official importer and CKD distributor status for the brand as it plans to launch in Malaysia by mid-2026 with CKD plans in the works as well.
Hongqi is a luxury brand under the FAW Group and its parent company will likely sign a contract assembly agreement with a local company to fast-track the process.
Apart from being the importer and local distributor, the Quill Group will also hold the rights regarding the appointment of authorised dealerships.
With the Beijing Motor Show almost upon us, the brand will be showcasing a range of electrified SUV models intended for global markets. In our southern neighbours Singapore, Hongqi is selling the E-HS9 SUV dual-motor, battery-electric model with up to 548 km of range. The Singapore International Motor Show marked the debut of the first right-hand drive Hongqi E-HS9.
Hongqi produces vehicles for state leaders and VIPs, even gifting a second-generation L5 to the DYMM Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar in 2024. The L5 is part of the brand’s Golden Sunflower range that is exclusively sold to VVIPs.
“With Malaysia’s robust bilateral relationship with China established since 1974, it is fitting that we are chosen as one of the premier right-hand drive markets for Hongqi’s strategic expansion,” said Datuk Dr. Jennifer Low, Quill Group managing director.
The Hongqi name translates to ‘Red Flag’ in Mandarin, serving as an automotive symbol of national pride for China.
Hongqi vehicles are currently exported to over 87 countries and regions, including Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, according.
