Hongqi sedan becomes foreign minister's car

However, Jia Xinguang, a senior researcher of the Automotive Industry Development Institute, said the foreign minister's choice has more political significance than actual meaning for the industry.

A Red Flag (Hongqi) H7 limousine of FAW is displayed during the 12th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, known as Auto China 2012, in Beijing, China, 23 April 2012. [Photo / icpress.cn]

"Even if all the officials at ministerial level or above use national brands, they are too limited in number to revitalize the whole industry," Jia said, adding that officials at lower levels could buy foreign cars.

On the other hand, he noted that since the Hongqi H7 sedan is designed for officials, few people would turn to it when choosing a family car.

"The design of Hongqi H7 sedan, suitable for official use, is elegant, while most consumers would choose cars that have a more luxurious appearance and more comfortable interior design," Jia said.

He said that foreign brands have advantages over domestic brands because of their better management.

Li Fangfang contributed to this story.