Automotive Safety

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.