Jing Ji Guan Cha Wang·2025-08-05 03:04Core Viewpoint - The official statements from Li Auto and China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (China Automotive Research) address the controversy surrounding the crash test video involving the Li Auto i8 and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's Chenglong truck, clarifying that the test was aimed at validating the safety performance of the Li i8 and not evaluating other brands' products [2][4][5]. Group 1: Test Purpose and Execution - The crash test was designed to verify and enhance the passive safety performance of the Li i8, with the test outline created by Li Auto and executed by China Automotive Research [2][4]. - The test involved a collision scenario of a small car (Li i8) against a larger vehicle (Chenglong truck), a method commonly used by major automotive manufacturers to demonstrate vehicle safety [4][5]. - The test was conducted on June 27 at the Sichuan test base, with the Li i8 colliding at a speed of 60±2 km/h and the Chenglong truck at 40±2 km/h [5]. Group 2: Response to Controversy - The delayed response from Li Auto and China Automotive Research has been criticized, as they did not address key concerns raised by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor regarding the test conditions and vehicle status [3][7]. - Li Auto emphasized that the Chenglong truck was used merely as a movable barrier and that there was no intention to make quality assessments of the truck [5][8]. - The controversy has led to increased visibility for the Chenglong brand, with significant growth in social media followers and public support following the incident [9]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The incident highlights the potential risks associated with marketing strategies that involve crash tests, as they can inadvertently affect the reputation of other brands [6][8]. - The involvement of a state-owned enterprise like China Automotive Research adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as it navigates public perception and industry standards [9]. - The event has sparked discussions about the integrity of crash testing and the importance of transparency in the automotive industry [7][9].