Abstract

This article represents a pioneering application of actor–network theory (ANT) to the evolution of automotive design in the People’s Republic of China, marking the first in-depth study to trace the developmental trajectory from the Dongfeng CA71 to the Hongqi CA770. By employing ANT, this study offers an unprecedented analysis of the intricate interplay between human and non-human actors—designers, engineers, state policies, emergent technologies, and cultural forces—shaping the course of Chinese automotive design. Uniquely, it unveils how socio-political dynamics and cultural ambitions not only guided this design evolution but also facilitated China’s transition from technological dependency to an autonomous expression of national identity. The study breaks new ground by incorporating a nuanced exploration of how monumental socio-political events, such as the Cultural Revolution, impacted design pathways. Ultimately, this study sets a new benchmark in understanding the intersection of design, politics, and technology, offering transformative insights for future industrial strategies and policymaking amid evolving socio-political environments.