Abu Dhabi, UAE — 4th December 2025: HONGQI, China’s leading ultra-luxury automotive marque since 1958, introduced its newest Golden Sunflower flagship — the HONGQI GUOYA — at an exclusive gala in Abu Dhabi, signaling a major step in the brand’s international expansion and highlighting the Middle East’s emergence as a powerhouse for ultra-luxury market growth. As the Official Luxury Automotive Partner of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, HONGQI used this global stage to underscore its strategic investment in a region where demand for high-end mobility continues to rise.
The UAE’s luxury automotive segment has seen consistent upward momentum, driven by strong economic fundamentals, increasing high-net-worth population growth, and government investment in innovation and infrastructure. By selecting Abu Dhabi for the global introduction of the GUOYA, HONGQI positions the Emirate as a central player in the evolution of the global luxury automotive economy.
The event featured a dedicated press conference and gala dinner, offering regional and international media an exclusive look at the GUOYA and the business strategy behind it. Guests received insights from Giles Taylor, Chief Designer and Vice President of Global Design at China FAW, whose commentary emphasized the model’s significance in reinforcing HONGQI’s premium brand value worldwide.
“HONGQI GUOYA represents a new chapter in Oriental ultra luxury. It carries the depth of Chinese cultural heritage while embracing a forward-looking global design spirit,” said Giles Taylor, Chief Designer and Vice President of Global Design, China FAW. “It is especially meaningful to unveil this model in Abu Dhabi, a city that has rapidly become a global capital for luxury, design and high-performance experiences. The Emirate provides an exceptional stage for HONGQI to connect with discerning customers who appreciate artistry that lives beyond trends.”
A Strategic Launch Strengthening HONGQI’s Global Economic Footprint
The debut of the GUOYA is a cornerstone moment within HONGQI’s international growth strategy. As global demand for ultra-luxury mobility expands, the model plays a pivotal role in attracting new high-value customer segments and reinforcing the brand’s competitive positioning in international markets.
The Golden Sunflower line, representing HONGQI’s pinnacle of craftsmanship and performance, supports the brand’s long-term economic ambitions by competing head-to-head with established luxury marques and driving premium segment share.
Design and Innovation as Economic Value Drivers
The GUOYA’s exterior design draws from Chinese cultural architecture — Beijing’s central axis and the Forbidden City — creating a distinctive visual language that strengthens brand differentiation in global markets. Signature features include:
- A front fascia shaped by the Hall of Supreme Harmony
- A 23.5° hood ornament symbolizing cosmic balance
- Rear elements inspired by Tian’anmen’s skyline and traditional lanterns
By grounding design in heritage while applying global luxury standards, HONGQI enhances its brand equity and long-term economic sustainability.
Technology That Enhances Global Competitiveness
The GUOYA’s performance capabilities reflect a strategic investment in engineering excellence:
- A self-developed V8 platform refined over 67 years
- 430 kW of power
- 800 N·m of torque
- A mid-mounted HOT-V twin-turbocharger architecture enabling rapid responsiveness
- Lightweight structural engineering
- Advanced NVH solutions for a quiet, refined drive
These innovations support HONGQI’s competitive presence in global markets where performance, efficiency, and luxury converge to influence purchasing decisions.
Luxury Craftsmanship Driving Customer Retention and Market Demand
The GUOYA’s interior is designed to meet the expectations of high-value customers seeking exclusive experiences:
- S-Nappa leather upholstery
- 24-way (front) and 22-way (rear) seat adjustability
- Massage, ventilation, and heating functions
- 4D seat-audio interaction
- A 3,240-watt, 32-speaker audio system tuned over 1,000 hours
Traditional craftsmanship elements — including lacquerwork, cloisonné enamel, and gold-and-silver filigree — reinforce the premium positioning that elevates customer willingness to invest in ultra-luxury mobility.
An Ownership Model Strengthening Lifetime Customer Value
To enhance long-term loyalty, the first 30 global GUOYA owners will receive exclusive privileges under HONGQI’s “Serene Assurance” philosophy:
- Lifetime warranty
- Lifetime roadside assistance
- Lifetime on-demand inspection
- Lifetime dedicated customer care
Tailored options such as two-tone paint, hand-painted waistlines, custom embroidery, pure wool floor mats, and artisan lacquer keys support customer personalization — a proven driver of revenue growth in luxury segments.
The Middle East: A Catalyst for Global Luxury Expansion
HONGQI’s presence at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix exemplifies its strategy of leveraging high-impact global events to connect with affluent, influential audiences. The Middle East remains central to the brand’s international growth due to rising demand, strong consumer confidence, and a maturing luxury mobility ecosystem.
