CHANGCHUN, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China's leading automaker FAW Group unveiled three customized models of its Hongqi brand, as the group accelerates R&D in the field of intelligent connected vehicles.

Mounted with lidar, smart cameras, a multi-sensor and a millimeter wave radar system for anti-collision, the pure electric SUV model Hongqi EV has a detection range of more than 200 meters and is able to sense surrounding pedestrians, vehicles, obstacles and traffic lights.

The Hongqi H7 plug-in hybrid featuring V2X communication technology and high precision positioning will achieve autopilot driving on straightaways, curves and roundabouts and can make U-turns and change lanes automatically.

With no cockpit, the self-driving Hongqi minibus is embedded with a robotic system that integrates voice and image interactions between passengers and pedestrians.

The Jilin-based FAW-Hongqi has cooperated with tech firms including Huawei, Baidu, Intel and iFlytek, as well as Jilin University in the provincial capital Changchun on autonomous and smart driving, intelligent safety systems and big data mining and management.

Hongqi, meaning "red flag," is China's iconic sedan brand established in 1958 and has been used as the vehicle for parades at national celebrations. The brand sold 33,028 cars in 2018, marking a 602-percent rise year on year.