QUIETLY BOLD: Hongqi’s steady rise in Phl luxury car scene
The Hongqi H9 brings a bold and elegant presence to the Philippines as the brand expands its local footprint.
Photograph courtesy of HONGQI
When Hongqi made its quiet entrance into the Philippine market in 2023, it didn’t come in with flashy ads or big promises. It simply opened its doors in Bonifacio Global City and let the cars do the talking.
A year later, it’s clear that Hongqi is here for the long haul. What started as a single showroom has now expanded to three more locations — Manila Bay, Alabang and Quezon City. The goal is to make it easier for more Filipinos to check out what the brand has to offer, either a traditional gas-powered car or an all-electric ride.
For those unfamiliar, Hongqi is one of China’s oldest luxury carmakers, dating back to 1958. It originally built cars for state officials and diplomats, but today it’s reshaping its image and going global, offering sleek, high-tech vehicles that aim to go head-to-head with established European names.
The all-electric Hongqi E-HS9 combines size, style and silent power in one commanding SUV package.
Photograph courtesy of HONGQI
Two models are leading the charge in the Philippines: the H9, a full-size luxury sedan that’s all about presence and polish, and the E-HS9, a bold electric SUV with serious road presence. Both come loaded with leather interiors, advanced features, and the kind of design that turns heads even in a parking lot full of premium vehicles.
“The H9 and E-HS9 are just the beginning of a new era for Hongqi — a new bold and sustainable direction,” Rashid Delgado, president of Hongqi Philippines said. “By granting the Filipino market full access to the pinnacle of automotive luxury with new showrooms, new models, and a new direction, Hongqi dares drivers to defy standards.”
The brand is set to keep growing through 2025 and beyond. And while there’s still a bit of curiosity and skepticism around a luxury brand that isn’t from Europe or Japan, Hongqi seems ready to earn its place by doing what any good car brand should: building solid, beautiful machines that people actually enjoy driving.
If you’re curious, Hongqi’s showrooms in BGC, Manila Bay, Alabang and Quezon City are open for walk-ins and test drives.
For more info or to book a test drive, head to hongqi.ph. They’re also on Facebook and Instagram at @hongqi.philippines.