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September – Notre Dame Cathedral × FAW Concrete Mixer Truck

12/03/2026

Centuries-Old Foundations and the Enduring Strength of New Beginnings

Heritage Period: 1877 – 1880 (French colonial era)
Engineering Icon: FAW Concrete Mixer Truck – the foundation for modern construction

Notre Dame Cathedral – Sustainable Foundations in the Heart of the City

In the vibrant heart of Saigon, where the city constantly expands and changes daily, Notre Dame Cathedral has stood for over a century, silently yet steadfastly. More than just a religious edifice, the cathedral is also a symbol of foundation, where every layer of modern urban development is built upon history.

Located at 01 Cong Xa Paris Square, District 1, Notre Dame Cathedral occupies a special position – the center of space, the center of memory, and the center of faith for Saigon.

History of Formation: Built for Longevity

Notre Dame Cathedral commenced construction in 1877 and was completed in 1880, amidst the French colonial government’s desire to establish a European-influenced religious and cultural center in Cochinchina.

The edifice was designed by architect J. Bourard, in the Neo-Romanesque style – emphasizing symmetry, durability, and longevity.

Notable features:

All materials: cement, steel, bricks, glass… were imported from France

Marseille bricks were left exposed, not plastered, and to this day retain their natural pink hue

The building’s foundation was designed to withstand loads 10 times its actual weight

From the moment the first bricks were laid, Notre Dame Cathedral was built with the mindset:

Not just for one generation – but for centuries to come.

The Architecture of Foundation and Faith

The cathedral is 91m long, 35.5m wide, with a roof vault 21m high, and two bell towers nearly 57m tall, presenting a sturdy, balanced, and solemn appearance.

Without surrounding fences – a rare choice at the time – Notre Dame Cathedral opens itself to the city, serving as a common spiritual foundation for the community.

Inside, the system of pillars, arches, monolithic stone altars, and 56 stained-glass windows tell biblical stories with light, creating a sacred yet not oppressive atmosphere – where faith is supported by engineering and durable materials.

Through Time – Still a Pillar

Through wars, upheavals, and urbanization, Notre Dame Cathedral has undergone multiple renovations, with the major restoration from 2017 being a clear testament to the fact that:

With a good foundation, a structure can be renewed, but never loses its core value.

After more than a century of existence, Notre Dame Cathedral is not just an architectural marvel, but a benchmark for sustainability in construction.

FAW – When Industry Emerges from the Foundation

If Notre Dame Cathedral is the spiritual foundation of Saigon, then FAW is the industrial foundation of modern China.

Established in 1953, FAW (First Automobile Works) is China’s first automobile manufacturer, ushering in an era of industrialization for the transportation sector. Just three years later, FAW produced its first truck – the Jiefang CA10 (1956) – a symbol of self-reliance and national infrastructure development.

FAW was born to serve large-scale projects, where stability, load capacity, and long-term durability are essential.

FAW Concrete Mixer Trucks – Where Every Project Begins

In construction, concrete is the foundation of everything.
And concrete mixer trucks are the means to ensure that this foundation is produced with the right quality, at the right time.

FAW mixer trucks represent:

Robust chassis structure

Durable, stable engine

Continuous operation capability in harsh conditions

Ensuring concrete quality upon arrival at the construction site

Just as the foundation of Notre Dame Cathedral was calculated to withstand many times its load, FAW mixer trucks are designed for heavy loads – long-term operation – reducing risks for the entire structure above.

When Heritage and Industry Meet at the “Foundation”

Notre Dame Cathedral and FAW mixer trucks converge on a core principle:

Unassuming, yet decisive

Little change in form, but value lies within

A solid foundation allows everything above to soar

On one side, a religious – architectural edifice.
On the other, a construction – industrial vehicle.

Both answer the same question:

How can what is built today still stand firm decades from now?

Monthly Message – for the Brand Calendar

Notre Dame’s bells toll a timeless rhythm
FAW mixers secure foundations, shaping the future’s hue

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