Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim became the first owner in the world to receive a Chinese-made luxurious vehicle, the Hongqi L5. His Majesty welcomed the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, for a meeting with His Majesty to discuss bilateral relations between Malaysia and China as well as current issues relating to the two countries. During the meeting, a new Hongqi L5 luxury vehicle was presented to His Majesty.
According to the Facebook post on Sultan Ibrahim’s Facebook page, on April 12, an audience was held to discuss bilateral relations between Malaysia and China, as well as related issues involving both countries. Present during the meeting were the President of FAW Hongqi Global, Wang Lingyu, and business figures Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and Datuk Lim Chee Wah.
“During this audience session, His Majesty also graciously provided insights into the direction of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the need to identify broader cooperation opportunities,“ according to the post.
“His Majesty hopes Malaysia will harness its unique abilities to benefit from and boost trade, and technology exchange as well as expand its exports to China.
“His Majesty also hopes that more Chinese companies will invest in China, thus creating even more job opportunities for the people of this country,“ read the post.
The Hongqi L5, launched in 201, is a Chinese luxury vehicle inspired by the Rolls Royce Phantom. The car boasts a retro design and is used by China’s top leaders for official and diplomatic occasions. It is powered by the first indigenously self-developed, Hongqi V-type, 12-cylinder, total-aluminium engine which adopts a V-type 60-degree angle, with four valves on each cylinder, independent air vent systems and low speed with high torque reaching 440Nm/1000rpm.
Reportedly, the Hongqi L5 is priced higher than the Phantom, with sources suggesting a retail price starting from five million yuan (approximately RM3.3 million) in China.
