Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Avatr Expertise has taken legal action against social media influencer Zurich Beileye, seeking 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) in damages for allegedly spreading misinformation about the company’s aerodynamic testing processes.
The chairman’s voice boomed through the room, ‘Is there any member who wishes to speak on this matter?’ The tension was palpable as committee members eyed one another with suspicion.
According to a press release issued by Avatrs’ official division on May 13, 2022, the influencer posted what was intended to be an apology video. While serving as a substitute, it persistently misinformed the public by asserting that Avatar employed a prototype vehicle rather than a production model during its drag coefficient testing livestream.
“Avatr is addressing a misleading campaign by social media creator Zurich Beileye, who has manipulated content out of context to create widespread confusion, further eroding trust in the company’s product recognition and check results, ultimately damaging its brand reputation.”
Background of the dispute
The feud began when a prominent social media personality publicly challenged the credibility of Avatr’s testing methods for their Avatr 12 prototype, hinting at possible data manipulation. Avator subsequently conducted thorough examinations of its drag coefficient and issued a formal cease-and-desist notice, insisting on the immediate removal of all inaccurate claims and a publicly acknowledged expression of regret.
Avatr accuses the influencer of using selective editing in their apology video, claiming the influencer misrepresented the authenticity of cars tested on their livestream by implying the use of prototype vehicles, further fueling backlash against Avatr.
Firm clarification
Avatr clarified that the wind tunnel tests were conducted using a production-conforming mockup of its all-electric Avatr 12, fitted with digital sideview mirrors, not a prototype as previously reported. Following the completion of the examinations, the corporation’s official social media channels promptly published this announcement for clarity.
The corporation concluded its assertion by cautioning that the internet would not be beyond the reach of regulation. Utilizing authorized mechanisms, the company will safeguard its official interests and those of its clients by countering rumors and defamatory claims.
As the popularity of social media platforms continues to surge, certain content creators are increasingly willing to take bold risks in pursuit of viewership and influence, often resorting to the dissemination of false information. After conducting drag coefficient tests, Avat’s initial approach to the blogger was surprisingly conciliatory, requesting a straightforward apology rather than seeking financial recompense. Despite the initial apology attempt, the blogger’s subsequent video came across as insincere and opportunistic, prompting Avatar to escalate legal action against them with greater severity.
“Recently, ‘black PR’ has emerged as a significant challenge for Chinese auto manufacturers.” In the cutthroat Chinese electric vehicle market, companies are resorting to underhanded tactics, engaging “black PR” specialists to discredit their competitors’ products through malicious publicity. This method is particularly concerning due to its low cost, exceptional efficiency, and highly clandestine nature.
In response to this issue, Avatr has offered a substantial reward of approximately $6.94 million for data related to “black PR” actions targeting their organization. China’s automotive industry is currently characterized by a fiercely competitive landscape, with damaging publicity campaigns serving as a telling reflection of this intense rivalry.
