Hongqi, the Chinese automobile manufacturer known for producing the state limousine used by President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders of the People's Republic of China, is set to enter the Singapore market.

The marque will be distributed by Eurokars Group, with operations scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026. A dedicated showroom will be established at 19 Leng Kee Road, near Queenstown.

The initial model to be launched in Singapore will be the E-HS9, a full-sized electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is larger than the Range Rover.

On 17th July, Eurokars announced plans to introduce at least three additional models in the local market, including an electric saloon and two mid-size SUVs.

The brand will target mid- to high-end vehicle buyers. According to a Eurokars spokesperson, the offerings in Singapore will include both electric and internal combustion powertrains.

The specific configuration of the E-HS9 for the Singapore market has not yet been confirmed. In other markets, the model is offered with various motor and battery options, including one variant with a driving range exceeding 500 km per charge.

Hongqi, which means "red flag" in Chinese, is a division of the state-owned FAW Group. Established in 1958, it is the oldest domestic automotive brand in China. The current line-up in its home market includes saloons and SUVs.

Karsono Kwee, Chairman of Eurokars Group, stated that conditions are appropriate for the brand's entry into Singapore. He noted that local consumers have become more open to Chinese vehicle brands following recent market developments.

Kwee described the brand's pricing as "mid-range" and indicated that Hongqi will be positioned slightly above other Chinese brands, based on its design and finish levels.

Singapore will be among the first South-East Asian markets for Hongqi, following its launch in Myanmar in May 2025. The company's expansion is part of a broader international strategy that includes both electric and petrol-hybrid models. Hongqi is already active in the Middle East and parts of Europe.

It will be the tenth Chinese automotive brand introduced in Singapore since January 2024. Other brands entering the market include Aion, Deepal, Dongfeng, Xpeng, and Zeekr.

Automotive distributors in Singapore have continued to expand their EV offerings, particularly with Chinese brands, which are perceived to offer newer technologies than some Japanese and German manufacturers.

This activity is further supported by expectations of growth in the vehicle market, influenced by an increase in the supply of Certificates of Entitlement (COEs) required for vehicle registration.

Hongqi will join Eurokars Group's existing portfolio of nearly 10 automotive brands in Singapore, including BMW, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, MINI, and Mazda.

Eurokars, which is marking its 40th anniversary, also plans to introduce IM Motors - a sub-brand of MG owned by Chinese state-owned automotive group SAIC - by the end of 2025.