Hongqi eyes Europe, but can it shed its state-car baggage?

A 28 April report by Reuters has placed Chinese luxury brand Hongqi in talks with Stellantis to produce vehicles at the automaker’s plant in Zaragoza, Spain. The discussions are reportedly being conducted through Leapmotor, in which FAW—Hongqi’s state-owned parent—and Stellantis both hold stakes, although whether the automaker can carve out a niche amid an influx of Chinese market entrants is another matter entirely.