Li Auto has issued a proper clarification after controversy erupted over a crash check video proven in the course of the July 29 launch of its new i8 SUV. The video depicted a high-speed frontal collision with a heavy-duty Chenglong truck, displaying minimal deformation to the i8 and important cab harm to the automobile. In an August 3 assertion on Weibo, Li Auto mentioned the check, carried out by an impartial third-party institute, was meant to guage the automobile’s passive security efficiency.
The video rapidly drew a public response from Chenglong Truck, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, which argued on August 1 that the check circumstances weren’t consultant of real-world site visitors eventualities. The corporate emphasised the significance of rational crash evaluation and reaffirmed its dedication to security within the business automobile sector. Dongfeng Group, Chenglong’s dad or mum agency, additionally raised concern over the video’s portrayal of its model, opposed what it known as “involution-style competitors,” and reaffirmed its assist for truthful and sustainable business practices.
In its August 3 assertion, Li Auto offered extra context, noting that the check was carried out by the state-owned China Automotive Engineering Analysis Institute Co., Ltd., a nationally recognised testing authority. The corporate mentioned the check aimed to evaluate the i8’s potential to face up to collisions with giant automobiles comparable to vehicles, a state of affairs more and more related on China’s highways.
The i8 reportedly sustained no deformation to important constructions, together with the A-, B-, and C-pillars and door beams. All 9 airbags deployed correctly, no leakage or thermal points have been noticed within the battery pack, and the doorways mechanically unlocked with handles extending as meant. The automobile’s entrance “quick overhang” design—initially meant to enhance cabin house—was mentioned to have carried out effectively beneath influence circumstances.
Li Auto clarified that the Chenglong automobile used within the video was a second-hand truck bought and modified as a movable crash barrier. It burdened that the aim of the check was to not consider the truck’s security efficiency. The corporate acknowledged the surprising on-line response and expressed remorse that Chenglong had been drawn into public controversy. It emphasised that Li Auto and Chenglong function in separate automobile markets, with no direct competitors.
The i8 was developed to satisfy China’s newest regulatory requirements for entrance, facet, and rear crash safety. It was benchmarked to satisfy the very best rankings beneath each the China New Automobile Evaluation Program (C-NCAP Model 24) and the China Insurance coverage Automotive Security Index (C-IASI Model 23). The automobile reportedly underwent over 100 crash check eventualities internally, together with “truck pinching” simulations.
Li Auto concluded its assertion by reaffirming its dedication to automotive security and expressed willingness to collaborate with business stakeholders to enhance crash resilience and automobile safety requirements.
