过了三年，特斯拉终于等到智己CEO的道歉

Core Viewpoint - Liu Tao, the co-CEO of Zhiji Auto, publicly apologized for inappropriate comments made in 2022 regarding a Tesla accident, raising questions about the timing and implications of the apology [1][3][4]. Group 1: Incident Background - In November 2022, a Tesla accident in Chaozhou, Guangdong resulted in 2 deaths and 3 injuries, leading Liu Tao to question Tesla's safety, claiming "brake failure" and "disregard for safety" [3][4]. - A judicial report later confirmed that the vehicle's "accelerator pedal was at 100%," and no brake signal was triggered, attributing the accident to driver error rather than vehicle malfunction [4]. Group 2: Implications of the Apology - The delayed apology from Liu Tao, three years after the incident, raises speculation about potential legal outcomes favoring Tesla [4][6]. - Liu Tao's comments, as a high-ranking executive, reflect not only personal views but also the reputation of the entire brand, impacting consumer perception [4][6]. Group 3: Brand Reputation and Market Position - Zhiji Auto has faced scrutiny for its executives' public statements, with this incident being one of several where the company has had to issue apologies [6][8]. - The company, established in 2020 and backed by SAIC, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, and Alibaba, aims to compete with brands like NIO and Li Auto but has struggled with sales, achieving only 81,000 units in 2025 [8][10]. - The competitive landscape in the Chinese automotive market is intense, leading some companies, including Zhiji, to adopt unconventional strategies to gain visibility [10].