CNBC AI News, August 1 – A recent crash test video released by Li Auto, featuring its new all-electric SUV, the i8, colliding head-on with an 8-ton heavy-duty truck, has ignited a firestorm of debate and a potential showdown within the Chinese automotive industry.
The video, showcased at the i8’s launch event, depicted a dramatic scene where the impact with the i8 seemingly caused the heavy-duty truck’s four wheels to lift off the ground, the cabin to separate from the cargo bed, and the driver’s cab to nearly collapse onto the i8’s windshield.
The visually arresting test quickly went viral, sparking discussions and drawing scrutiny, particularly after eagle-eyed viewers identified the truck brand featured in the video as Chenglong, due to an initially unblurred steering wheel. This sparked a backlash from Chenglong, a major player in China’s heavy-duty truck market, questioning the validity and implications of such a test.
In response to the controversy, Li Auto’s product lead, @老汤哥Tango (Lao Tang Ge Tango), took to social media, stating: “We trust the expertise of authoritative institutions. How about a rematch? @张骁 (Zhang Xiao).” Zhang Xiao, a product line lead at Li Auto, then responded: “Sure, we can even livestream it.” This exchange has seemingly opened the door for a publicly broadcasted retest of the collision.
Adding fuel to the fire, a Chenglong truck dealership posted a video stating “We are recruiting Li Auto drivers nationwide for a retest. Don’t blame us for bullying, come if you dare.” This escalation underscores the high stakes involved, with Chenglong keen to defend its reputation in the face of what it perceives as a direct challenge to its product’s perceived safety and marketability.
The situation has clearly captured public attention.
Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/6152.html
