Automotive Safety

A recent crash test between a Chenglong truck and a Li Auto i8 has sparked controversy. Li Auto executives proposed a live rematch after the test results were questioned. Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, Chenglong’s manufacturer, responded, emphasizing their dual role in commercial and passenger vehicles and revealing their unawareness of the initial test. Videos suggesting Chenglong dealerships were seeking a driver for a rematch also surfaced.

A recent Dongchedi test of 36 vehicles across 20+ brands revealed shortcomings in current driver-assistance technologies. Simulated accident scenarios, particularly those involving highway hazards, yielded a pass rate below 50%, raising safety concerns. The results have sparked online debate, with accusations of bias against Dongchedi. Former Meizu executive Li Nan cautioned against making such accusations without concrete evidence, emphasizing the importance of fair interpretation of motives.

A California mother left her 1-year-old and 2-year-old sons in her hybrid car during a lip injection procedure in 38°C heat. The intended 20-minute appointment took 2.5 hours. Despite her claim of activating air conditioning, the vehicle’s auto-shutoff system deactivated after one hour. Upon return, the infant was unresponsive and later died, while the older child survived. Charged with homicide, Hernandez remains jailed. Safety experts stress that temperatures inside sealed cars rapidly reach lethal levels in summer heat, causing heatstroke quickly.

A viral video of Huawei’s Richard Yu in an AITO M8, appearing momentarily distracted while driving, has sparked debates on autonomous vehicle safety and driver responsibility. Captured in Beijing on May 26, the footage shows a bystander questioning Yu’s alertness, prompting mixed social media reactions—some defending his workload, others speculating about technology testing. Analysts link the incident to Huawei’s push in China’s competitive EV market, where its cars claimed 12% of Q1 2024 new energy sales. Amid warnings from safety experts about required driver supervision for ADAS systems, the publicity may benefit Huawei’s automotive division, projected to see 40% revenue growth to $2.8 billion this year.

A viral video from Anhui, China, shows a driving school trainee mistakenly pressing the accelerator instead of the brake during practice on May 19, causing the vehicle to crash through barriers and into a Geely dealership. No injuries occurred, but the car was likely totaled. The incident sparked debates over safety protocols and liability in driver training, as Chinese law holds institutions—not trainees—responsible for accident damages through mandatory insurance. Industry experts warn of risks amid China’s rapidly growing driving school market, which sees over 30 million new drivers annually and faces calls for standardized safety measures to prevent similar accidents.

Shenzhen EV owner repurchases Xiaomi SU7 after surviving a life-threatening 80-meter cliff plunge in his SU7 Pro, crediting the vehicle’s structural integrity for saving his family. Ordering a second unit through standard channels without preferential treatment, he emphasized confidence in Xiaomi’s safety engineering amid China’s ESG-focused EV market. The accident, which left only minor injuries despite severe damage, highlights consumer demand for proven crash performance and advanced safety systems, enhancing Xiaomi’s competitive edge against traditional and tech-driven automakers.