smear campaign

Li Auto CEO Li Xiang, in an interview with Luo Yonghao, addressed online negativity, particularly the “coffin car” smear campaign against the MEGA model. Luo expressed surprise at the intensity of the attacks. Li Xiang alleged a rival company orchestrated these campaigns dating back to the i8 model, aiming to damage Li Auto’s image. He stated that the appropriate response is to improve product and strategy to eliminate vulnerabilities, and acknowledges that the pressure from the controversy nearly caused a complete redesign of the MEGA car.

TikTok responded to complaints from Li Auto regarding negative online content targeting the EV maker and its customers. TikTok’s Douyin Blackboard announced it removed misleading and abusive content related to “Li Auto owners” and accounts exploiting the controversy, citing violations of community guidelines. This followed Li Auto CEO Li Xiang’s allegations of a coordinated smear campaign by a rival company, a recurring issue during new car launches, orchestrated by online influence agencies.

YMTC has filed a third lawsuit against Micron, alleging a smear campaign to damage its market position. Accusations include Micron funding efforts to discredit YMTC through false rumors, particularly regarding backdoors in YMTC chips. YMTC seeks corrective advertising, damages, and profit disgorgement. This lawsuit follows YMTC’s 2023 patent infringement suit and Micron’s counterclaims, with a court order for Micron to produce confidential documents adding further complexity.