Employees work on the production line of FAW Group in Changchun, Jilin province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's leading automaker FAW Group said Monday that it saw a 116-percent year-on-year growth in auto sales under its Hongqi brand in the first five months.

Despite the impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, more than 54,600 Hongqi cars were sold in the first five months as the company expanded its sales channels both online and offline. In May alone, 15,100 Hongqi cars were sold, representing a 133-percent year-on-year growth.

Hongqi fulfilled its sales target of 100,000 cars in 2019 and has doubled the target for 2020. The company plans to roll out 21 new Hongqi models in the next five years. It eyes a sales target of 600,000 cars in 2025.

Hongqi, meaning "red flag," is China's iconic sedan brand. The brand was established in 1958 and has been used as the vehicle for parades at national celebrations.