FAW

Corporate brand

A major Chinese state-owned automotive group producing passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, components, and vehicles through international joint ventures.

Last updated October 30, 2026

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First read: Nov 4, 2026
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Overview

FAW Group, formally China FAW Group Co., Ltd., is a central Chinese state-owned automotive manufacturer headquartered in Changchun, Jilin Province. Established in 1953 as First Automotive Works, it was created during China’s First Five-Year Plan with Soviet technical assistance and became the country’s first large-scale automotive manufacturing project. The company produced its first vehicle, the Jiefang CA-10 truck, in 1956 and introduced the Hongqi passenger car in 1958, making it a foundational institution in the development of China’s automotive industry. The group operates across passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, powertrains, automotive components, mobility-related technology, and vehicle services. Its principal current brands include Hongqi, a luxury passenger-car marque; Bestune, a mainstream passenger-vehicle brand formerly known as Besturn or Benteng; and Jiefang, a major medium- and heavy-duty truck brand. FAW also manufactures and distributes vehicles through joint ventures using international brands, most notably FAW-Volkswagen and FAW-Toyota. These partnerships have given FAW substantial positions in China’s Volkswagen, Audi, Toyota, and related vehicle businesses. Hongqi occupies a distinctive position in the group’s portfolio. Launched in 1958, it was initially associated with official and ceremonial vehicles and became a symbol of Chinese industrial capability. In later decades FAW broadened the marque into a commercial luxury brand with sedans, sport-utility vehicles, and new-energy models. Jiefang, whose roots lie in the CA-10 truck, remains focused on commercial transportation, including light, medium, and heavy trucks. Bestune serves more mainstream passenger-car segments and has been used as a platform for FAW’s efforts to compete in a changing Chinese market. FAW’s history includes extensive brand experimentation and corporate restructuring. Earlier marques and businesses such as Xiali, Tianjin FAW, Oley, Junpai, FAW Jilin, Haima-related operations, and SiTech were discontinued, divested, consolidated, or repositioned. The group has also used listed subsidiaries to separate or finance activities in trucks, components, and information technology. Publicly traded affiliates include FAW Jiefang Group, Changchun FAWAY Automobile Components, and Qiming Information Technology. The company’s international model has primarily been partnership-based rather than centered on a single globally distributed FAW vehicle range. FAW-Volkswagen, formed in 1991, became one of China’s largest passenger-car joint ventures and produces Volkswagen- and Audi-branded vehicles for the Chinese market. FAW-Toyota, established in 2003, expanded FAW’s relationship with Toyota in passenger cars, engines, and related manufacturing. FAW has also operated or participated in partnerships involving General Motors and other companies. In the electric-vehicle era, the group has pursued new-energy joint ventures and strategic cooperation, including an agreement with Leapmotor announced in 2025. FAW is controlled by SASAC rather than by private shareholders. While its subsidiaries may be publicly traded, the parent remains a state-owned enterprise. The group is therefore both a commercial vehicle manufacturer and a strategically important industrial organization. Its current positioning combines state-backed scale, established manufacturing capacity, major international joint ventures, commercial-vehicle expertise, and the modernization of Hongqi and Bestune for electrification and broader consumer appeal.

History

FAW was established in 1953 in Changchun as one of the earliest large-scale automotive manufacturing enterprises created by the People's Republic of China. Its formation supported the country's industrialization and transport objectives, and the company initially concentrated on trucks and other heavy vehicles. This foundation gave FAW an enduring role in China's commercial-vehicle sector and provided the manufacturing base from which it later expanded into passenger cars. During its early decades, FAW developed production, engineering and supplier capabilities in northeastern China. The organization gradually broadened its product range and industrial scope, moving beyond complete vehicles into engines, components and technical services. Its role was not limited to a consumer marque: it became a large industrial group with research, manufacturing, logistics, information technology and export functions. A decisive stage in FAW's development was its cooperation with Audi and Volkswagen. In 1988, Audi and FAW began a contract arrangement for production of the Audi 100 in China using imported parts. A formal agreement for a larger FAW-Volkswagen joint venture was signed in 1990, and the joint venture was founded in 1991. FAW-Volkswagen subsequently produced Volkswagen and Audi passenger vehicles for China, helping introduce international platforms and production practices while giving FAW a major position in China's rapidly expanding passenger-car market. FAW continued to build a multi-brand structure. Its Hongqi marque developed from a historically important Chinese premium name into a modern luxury and new-energy vehicle brand. Bestune served mainstream passenger-car customers, while Jiefang remained identified with trucks and commercial transport. Other subsidiaries and divisions supported engines, buses, components, information systems, import and export, and industrial technologies such as heat treatment and electroplating. The group's later strategy increasingly addressed electrification and digitalization. In 2018, FAW agreed to invest in Byton, a Chinese electric-vehicle startup, with the stated possibility of applying relevant technology to future Hongqi products. In 2021, Audi and FAW established Audi FAW NEV, a joint venture intended to develop and manufacture electric vehicles in China. FAW also pursued relationships in intelligent-driving technology, including a reported 2025 agreement to acquire a stake in Zhuoyu. FAW's present identity is consequently shaped by three overlapping roles: a state-owned industrial champion, a house of Chinese vehicle brands and a partner to global automakers. Its operations cover passenger vehicles, luxury vehicles, trucks, buses, powertrains and automotive services. Because FAW Group contains numerous subsidiaries and joint ventures, corporate ownership, management and product responsibilities can differ across individual marques. The group's current position is that of an established Chinese manufacturer seeking to combine scale and domestic heritage with electric vehicles, connected technologies and advanced driver assistance.

2025
Proposed investment in Zhuoyu
[5]FAW investment agreement involving Zhuoyureuters.com
FAW signs an agreement to invest in driving-assistance technology company Zhuoyu, subject to the reported regulatory process.
2021
Audi FAW NEV is established
[1]FAW Groupen.wikipedia.org
Audi and FAW establish a new-energy-vehicle joint venture in China.
2018
Investment in Byton
[4]FAW Group investment in Bytonreuters.com
FAW agrees to invest in electric-vehicle startup Byton and explores technology applications for future Hongqi products.
1991
FAW-Volkswagen is founded
[2]FAW-Volkswagenen.wikipedia.org
The FAW-Volkswagen joint venture is established to manufacture Volkswagen and Audi vehicles in China.
1990
FAW-Volkswagen agreement is signed
[2]FAW-Volkswagenen.wikipedia.org
FAW and Volkswagen sign the formal agreement for a large passenger-vehicle joint venture.
1988
Audi production cooperation begins
[2]FAW-Volkswagenen.wikipedia.org
Audi begins a contract arrangement with FAW to produce the Audi 100 for the Chinese market.
1953
FAW is established in Changchun
[3]FAW Group headquarters and leadership overviewhighperformr.ai
First Automobile Works is established as a major state-backed automotive manufacturing enterprise in China.

Products and positioning

A state-owned Chinese automotive group spanning mass-market, premium, luxury and commercial-vehicle segments, with additional emphasis on electrification and intelligent mobility.

Premium and luxury passenger vehicles
Hongqi
Hongqi is FAW's premium and luxury passenger-vehicle marque. Historically associated with official and ceremonial vehicles in China, it has been developed into a broader retail brand offering sedans, sport-utility vehicles and new-energy models. FAW has also identified Hongqi as a potential beneficiary of technology partnerships aimed at accelerating electrification.
Mainstream passenger vehicles
Bestune
Bestune is FAW's mainstream passenger-car brand. Its portfolio has included sedans and SUVs intended for China's broad consumer market, with the brand participating in the group's transition toward connected and electrified vehicles.
Commercial trucks
Jiefang
Jiefang is FAW's principal commercial-vehicle identity, particularly associated with heavy trucks and freight transport. The line reflects FAW's original industrial strengths and remains important to the group's commercial-vehicle manufacturing and logistics activities.
Automotive joint venture · 1991
FAW-Volkswagen
FAW-Volkswagen is a joint venture between FAW and Volkswagen Group that manufactures Volkswagen and Audi passenger vehicles for the Chinese market. It operates assembly and production facilities in multiple Chinese locations and has been one of FAW's most consequential international partnerships.
Electric-vehicle joint venture · 2021
Audi FAW NEV
Audi FAW NEV is a new-energy-vehicle manufacturing joint venture between Audi and FAW. Established in 2021, it represents a dedicated framework for Audi electric-vehicle production in China and forms part of FAW's broader electrification strategy.

Controversies

2026
FAW included in China's 4.3 million vehicle recall over hidden door handles
China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced the country's largest automotive recall, covering 4.3 million vehicles from nine brands, over hidden door handles that may be difficult to open in an emergency. The remedy is installation of high-visibility warning labels and software updates to automatically lower windows after a crash. Chinese-made Tesla vehicles accounted for 2.98 million of the recalled cars; other affected brands include Xpeng, Xiaomi, Geely (Zeekr and Lynk & Co), Leapmotor, Chery, BAIC, Dongfeng and FAW Group (Hongqi).
Source
2026
FAW recalls vehicles over hidden emergency door releases
FAW filed a recall with China's market regulator as part of a broader crackdown on hidden emergency door releases. The recall was submitted on the same day as recalls by eight other automakers, including Leapmotor, Chery, Dongfeng and BAIC BluePark. In total, eleven automakers in China issued related recalls addressing the same hidden emergency door release problem, with nine manufacturers, including Tesla, agreeing to install warning labels helping occupants locate the releases. Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely-owned brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co. were among the other manufacturers issuing recalls. More than 4 million vehicles in total were affected across the full scope of the crackdown.
Source
2020
FAW announces a recall of some Bestune B30 cars
China First Automobile Group filed a recall plan covering 45,406 Bestune B30 cars manufactured from September 18, 2015, to November 27, 2016. The spark-plug and ignition-system issues could cause vehicle shaking, engine misfires, failure to start or, in extreme cases, stalling while driving. The recall was scheduled to begin on July 15, 2020.
Source
2017
Former chairman Xu Jianyi sentenced to 11 years and 6 months in first instance for bribery
On February 9, 2017, the Beijing First Intermediate People's Court sentenced Xu Jianyi, former chairman of FAW, to 11 years and 6 months in prison in the first instance. The court found that he accepted bribes of more than 12.18 million yuan in matters involving enterprise operations and job promotions. The case subject is a former head of the group.
Source

FAW Audi China creative-account partnership
China
FAW Audi assigned creative responsibilities in China to a joint Dentsu Creative and Saatchi & Saatchi agency arrangement.
Outcome. The reported outcome was a dual-agency structure supporting FAW Audi's creative and marketing strategy in China.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Proposed investment in ZhuoyuM&A
Background
FAW pursued access to domestic driving-assistance and intelligent-vehicle technology.
Action taken
FAW signed an agreement to acquire a stake in Zhuoyu, with the transaction referenced in a regulatory notice seeking public comment.
Aftermath
The supplied report does not establish final completion of the investment.
Source
2021
Creation of Audi FAW NEV joint ventureStrategy
Background
The Chinese market's shift toward battery-electric vehicles created a need for dedicated new-energy manufacturing partnerships.
Action taken
Audi and FAW established Audi FAW NEV to develop and manufacture electric vehicles in China.
Aftermath
The venture strengthened FAW's electric-vehicle cooperation with Audi, although detailed production and financial results are not included here.
Source
2018
Investment in BytonM&A
Background
FAW sought exposure to electric-vehicle startup technology while Byton was developing a new vehicle platform and brand.
Action taken
FAW agreed to make a significant but undisclosed investment in Byton; the startup said FAW's stake would not confer control.
Aftermath
The investment was presented as a possible technology source for future Hongqi new-energy vehicles. The amount and subsequent long-term outcome are not specified in the supplied source.
Source

Recent events

2026.08.21
Reported2026.08.28
China recalls 4.3 million vehicles over hidden door handles[12]FAW included in China's 4.3 million vehicle recall over hidden door handlespaultan.org
China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced the country's largest automotive recall, covering 4.3 million vehicles from nine brands, over hidden door handles that may be difficult to open in an emergency. The remedy is installation of high-visibility warning labels and software updates to automatically lower windows after a crash. Chinese-made Tesla vehicles accounted for 2.98 million of the recalled cars; other affected brands include Xpeng, Xiaomi, Geely (Zeekr and Lynk & Co), Leapmotor, Chery, BAIC, Dongfeng and FAW Group (Hongqi).
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.08.21
Multiple automakers recall vehicles over emergency mechanical door handle identification issues[14]FAW recalls vehicles over hidden emergency door releases163.com
Multiple automakers in China announced recalls of electric vehicles because the emergency mechanical door handles or their covers are hard to identify or operate in extreme situations such as a severe collision causing low-voltage system failure. Affected models include Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X, Xiaomi SU7, Zeekr 007 and Zeekr X, with Tesla involving about 2.976 million vehicles, Xiaomi about 390,000, Leapmotor about 371,000 and XPeng about 265,000. Remedies include adding warning labels, replacing improved handle covers, and over-the-air software adjustments to window or unlock control strategies after accidents.
2026.08.21
Reported2026.08.23
Chinese automakers including Xiaomi, Xpeng, Zeekr and Lynk & Co recall vehicles over hidden emergency door releases[13]FAW recalls vehicles over hidden emergency door releasesibtimes.com.au
Eleven automakers in China issued related recalls addressing the same hidden emergency door release problem, with nine manufacturers, including Tesla, agreeing to install warning labels helping occupants locate the releases. Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely-owned brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co. were among the other manufacturers issuing recalls; eight other automakers including Leapmotor, Chery, Dongfeng, BAIC BluePark and FAW filed recalls with China's market regulator on the same day. More than 4 million vehicles in total were affected across the full scope of the crackdown.
2022.01.18
Reported2022.01.19
FAW Group unveils a new corporate identity[16]一汽集团发布全新品牌标识auto.sina.com.cn
FAW Group unveiled a new corporate identity and slogan at its annual meeting, describing the identity as a way to present a younger, more technology-oriented image.
Unconfirmed
Wanda Hongqi flagship store opens[17]万达红旗汽车旗舰店开业auto.sina.com.cn
The first Wanda Hongqi automobile flagship store opened at Fengke Wanda Plaza, marking the implementation of the strategic cooperation between FAW and Wanda.
2021.04.27
China Starwin and FAW establish an automotive chip joint laboratory[18]中星微电子集团与中国一汽组建汽车芯片联合实验室citnews.com.cn
China Starwin Electronics Group and China FAW announced the formation of an automotive chip joint laboratory to work on automotive-chip research and development.
Unconfirmed
FAW announces a recall of some Bestune B30 cars[15]FAW announces a recall of some Bestune B30 carsauto.caijing.com.cn
China First Automobile Group filed a recall plan covering 45,406 Bestune B30 cars manufactured from September 18, 2015, to November 27, 2016. The spark-plug and ignition-system issues could cause vehicle shaking, engine misfires, failure to start or, in extreme cases, stalling while driving. The recall was scheduled to begin on July 15, 2020.
2020.05.09
Reported2020.05.10
Huawei announces 5G automotive ecosystem with 18 automakers[19]华为宣布携手18家车企成立5G汽车生态圈finance.sina.com.cn
Huawei announced that it would join with an initial group of 18 automakers to establish a 5G automotive ecosystem, aiming to accelerate commercial use of 5G technology in the automotive industry. The article says Huawei would contribute 5G technology rather than manufacture cars.
2020.04.20
Reported2020.04.21
Autohome and China FAW sign strategic cooperation agreement[20]汽车之家与中国一汽签署战略合作协议finance.sina.com.cn
Autohome and China FAW signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering data ecosystem sharing, joint model development, data product research and development, and operating-model innovation.
2019.12.27
Reported2019.12.27
Shandong Boya and FAW Jilin sign capital increase agreement[21]山东宝雅与一汽吉林签署增资扩股协议finance.sina.com.cn
FAW Jilin held a capital increase signing ceremony on December 27. Following the mixed-ownership reform, Shandong Boya was to contribute 1.5 billion yuan for a 70.5% stake in the new company, while China FAW would hold 29.5%.

Sources30 sources

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