On July 29, a video featuring a Li Auto i8 in a head-on collision test with a truck generated significant controversy during Li Auto's new vehicle launch event.

On August 6, Li Auto, China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC), and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors reached a consensus regarding the Li i8 crash test incident and published a joint statement.

Li Auto clarified that the test's purpose was solely to validate and enhance the passive safety performance of the Li i8, not to evaluate the safety or quality performance of vehicles from any other manufacturers.

CATARC acknowledged shortcomings in its process controls, which failed to adequately anticipate and mitigate potential risks stemming from incomplete information disclosure. The organization expressed regret for these lapses.

Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors reaffirmed its commitment to rejecting unfair competition practices, maintaining lawful and compliant operations, and adhering to factual accuracy. The company pledged to contribute to China's strategic transition from being an automotive manufacturing powerhouse to becoming a global automotive leader.

Call for Industry Self-Regulation

The three parties jointly advocated for stricter self-discipline and healthier competition within the automotive sector. Their statement calls on the industry to maintain rigorous self-regulation, adhere to principles of integrity and business ethics in product development, testing, and marketing, and eliminate any form of unfair competition such as disparaging comparisons.

Additionally, testing and certification bodies were urged to uphold professional standards, ensure scientifically rigorous testing procedures, and guarantee truthful, accurate, and complete information disclosure to collectively foster a fair and transparent market environment.

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