FAW's deputy general manager Wu Shaoming will replace Dong Yang as secretary-general of the Chinese Association of Automobile Manufacturers, according to the Auto Business Review.

The move came within a month of FAW appointing Wu to head up its premium passenger brand Hongqi. Dong, who is 59 years old, will retire next year in accordance with regulations in China.

In its early days, FAW manufactured Hongqi sedans for State leaders. There was great expectation for Hongqi sedans to make a comeback. The Hongqi H7 hit the market in May 2013 but sales have been sluggish, with less than 3,000 units sold in 2014.