Ex-Rolls-Royce designer to resurrect 60’s limousine

Giles Taylor left the UK car-maker after six years “to pursue alternative business interests”, according to reports.

Taylor, who is partly responsible for the Dawn convertible, will assume the role of FAW Group’s global vice president and chief creative officer "responsible for creating design strategies and unique style concepts".

A key task surrounds transforming the traditional Hongqi VIP limousine from a niche product found in Beijing, to a global icon similar to Rolls-Royce.

"There are many inspirational elements surrounding the marque with which to create fresh, modern vehicles for the new era," Giles said. 

"I look forward to working with the FAW Executive team to deliver this fascinating mission for Hongqi as well as exciting future products for FAW."

Chairman of the company, Xu Liuping, says his objectives for Hongqi are to restore its brand name and take it global, with plans to sell 300,000 vehicles each year by 2025.

Hongqi, one of China’s oldest automotive brands, created limousines for Chairman Mao Zedong and other political figures.

In April this year, 25 years after FAW Group was re-established, it unveiled the intergalactic-looking electric E-Jing GT concept at the Beijing Motor Show.

Giles Taylor will remain in Munich to assemble an international design team.

Liuping says he wants to make Hongqi “a new noble brand - the best in China and famous around the world”, partly by re-developing and modernising the CA770, Hongqi’s vintage limousine.