Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the introduction of a mandatory national standard for automotive door handles, focusing on safety requirements for emergency and hidden door handles, addressing potential risks associated with electric and hidden door handles in modern vehicles [1][3]. Group 1: Standard Development - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced the public consultation for the project to revise the "Safety Technical Requirements for Automotive Door Handles," which includes contributions from various automotive research institutions [1]. - The proposed standard aims to fill the gap in regulations concerning hidden door handles and electric door handles, which currently lack specific technical requirements for their layout, safety functions, and structural strength [2]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - The new standard addresses potential escape and rescue risks associated with modern door handle designs, particularly in emergency situations such as collisions or fires, where electric door handles may fail due to power loss [3]. - Issues identified include insufficient strength, potential safety risks in control logic, difficulty in operation due to lack of visible markings, and the risk of hand injuries [3]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Recent automotive accidents involving hidden and electric door handles have raised public concern about their safety performance, highlighting incidents where door handles failed to operate during emergencies [4][5]. - Industry leaders, such as the chairman of XPeng Motors, have acknowledged design shortcomings and are working on improving the reliability of door handles in extreme conditions [6]. - The chairman of Great Wall Motors criticized hidden door handles for their drawbacks, emphasizing the need for a shift in design focus from aesthetics to safety [6].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China has initiated a public consultation for revising the mandatory national standard for automotive door handles, focusing on safety issues related to hidden door handles in extreme scenarios [1][5]. Group 1: New Regulations - The new regulations emphasize the need for enhanced safety redundancy designs, ensuring that doors can still be manually opened in accidents, thereby reducing rescue difficulties [2]. - The regulations cover M1 (passenger vehicles), N1 (cargo vehicles), and multipurpose trucks, establishing a comprehensive safety standard across the industry [2]. - Key technical directions include mandatory mechanical or power failure protection devices, standardized visibility and structure strength of safety markings, dynamic strength testing, and improved control logic to prevent accidental operations [2]. Group 2: Industry Response - Multiple accidents have highlighted the safety risks associated with hidden door handles, prompting the need for regulatory reform [3]. - New energy vehicle manufacturers are actively participating in the drafting of these standards, indicating a shift towards prioritizing safety over merely technological appeal [4]. - Companies like XPeng Motors and Great Wall Motors are developing more reliable door handle designs and emphasizing safety in their vehicle offerings [4]. Group 3: Market Implications - The implementation of these standards is expected to reshape consumer preferences, with a growing focus on the reliability of door handles, potentially leading to a resurgence of traditional mechanical handles [4]. - The new regulations will create pressure for manufacturers lacking safety redundancy designs to make necessary adjustments, which may lead to a reshaping of the supply chain [4]. - The industry is moving towards a balance between safety and technology, with the potential for innovative designs that combine aesthetics with safety features [4][5].