Core Viewpoint - The incident involving the collision test of the Li Auto i8 and a truck has led to a joint statement from Li Auto, China Automotive Research Institute (CARI), and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and innovation in the automotive industry [1][2][4]. Summary by Relevant Sections Incident Overview - The collision test involving the Li Auto i8 and a Dongfeng Liuzhou truck has sparked widespread public concern due to the dissemination of related content [2][6]. - The test aimed to verify and enhance the passive safety performance of the Li Auto i8, not to evaluate the safety and quality of other brands [2][7]. Apologies and Responses - Li Auto expressed sincere apologies for the unintended negative impact on Dongfeng Liuzhou's brand image due to the incident, acknowledging the miscommunication that led to public misunderstanding [2][3]. - CARI admitted to failing to clearly communicate the purpose of using the Dongfeng Liuzhou truck as a "mobile barrier" in the test, which contributed to public confusion [3][7]. Industry Call to Action - The three parties called for the automotive industry to adhere to self-discipline, focusing on integrity and ethical competition, while avoiding any form of unfair competition [4][5]. - They urged the industry to concentrate resources on enhancing vehicle safety, core technology innovation, and improving user experience to elevate the overall image and competitiveness of the Chinese automotive sector [4][5]. Commitment to Improvement - Li Auto and CARI committed to taking further measures to prevent similar controversies in the future, ensuring that testing processes are transparent and well-communicated [3][5]. - Dongfeng Liuzhou emphasized its commitment to high-quality and reliable products, resisting unfair competition, and contributing to the transformation of China from a major automotive nation to a strong automotive nation [3][4].

Core 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].

Core Viewpoint - The collision test between an 8-ton truck and the Li Auto i8 SUV has sparked controversy regarding its validity and the implications for automotive safety testing standards [1][3][5] Group 1: Collision Test Controversy - The test is criticized for being a non-standard vehicle-to-vehicle collision test, which does not evaluate the safety performance of other truck brands [1][3] - Concerns have been raised about the authenticity of the test scenario and the independence of the third-party testing agency [5][7] - The use of an empty truck (8 tons) in the test contrasts with the typical loaded weight of 20 tons or more in real accidents, raising questions about the energy differences in collision scenarios [5] Group 2: Statements from Involved Parties - China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATARC) clarified that the test was solely to verify the safety of the Li Auto i8 and not to assess other brands [1][7] - Li Auto stated that the truck was merely a "mobile barrier" and that they did not intend to make quality assessments of the truck brand involved [3] - The truck manufacturer, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., emphasized that the test conditions were significantly different from real traffic situations [5] Group 3: Financial Performance of Testing Agency - CATARC reported a revenue of 4.697 billion yuan in 2023, a 14.65% increase year-on-year, with a profit of 1.14 billion yuan, also up 14% [8] - The automotive technology services segment contributed the most to revenue, generating 4.125 billion yuan, a 21.36% increase, with a gross margin of nearly 50% [9] - The revenue from new energy and intelligent connected vehicle development and testing grew by 42.86%, although its gross margin slightly decreased to 47.61% [9] Group 4: Industry Insights and Testing Practices - The automotive testing industry is under scrutiny for potentially prioritizing visually impactful test scenarios over rigorous safety evaluations [13][14] - Traditional collision tests are still conducted, but there is a growing trend for more sensational testing methods to attract consumer attention [13] - The automotive testing process involves multiple stages, including enterprise-commissioned tests and government approvals, ensuring that vehicles meet safety standards before market entry [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - The collision test of the Li Auto i8, conducted by China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, has sparked controversy, particularly from the truck manufacturer Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, which claims the test misrepresents real-world scenarios and infringes on its rights [1][3]. Group 1: Collision Test Details - The collision test aimed to validate the passive safety performance of the Li Auto i8, utilizing a "short front suspension safety structure" and various energy-absorbing structures [1]. - The test results indicated that the A and B pillars of the i8 showed no significant deformation, nine airbags deployed correctly, and there were no leaks or fire from the battery pack [1]. - The test specifically simulated a "small car colliding with a large truck" scenario, with the truck used merely as a movable barrier, not as a comparison to other brands [1][3]. Group 2: Reactions from Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor - Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor criticized the test, stating that the testing conditions significantly differ from actual traffic situations, which they argue constitutes infringement [3]. - The company has actively responded to the controversy through social media, emphasizing their safety principles and accusing the test of distorting the truth [5]. - Their social media engagement has led to a significant increase in followers and interactions, indicating heightened public interest in the issue [5]. Group 3: Impact on Li Auto - Following the test and subsequent controversy, Li Auto's stock price has experienced a decline, dropping 6.2% on the day of the i8's launch after an initial rise [8]. - As of August 1, the stock price had accumulated a total decline of 13.53% since the launch [8]. - In terms of sales performance, Li Auto has lowered its 2025 delivery target from 700,000 units to 640,000 units, with July deliveries down 39.74% year-over-year [9].

Core Viewpoint - The collision test involving Li Auto's i8 and the Chenglong truck has sparked significant public discourse, leading to responses from both companies and the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (C-AE). The test aimed to validate the i8's passive safety performance, not to evaluate other brands' vehicles [2][4]. Group 1: Test Details - The collision test was conducted on June 27, 2025, at the Sino-German Intelligent Connected Vehicle Sichuan Test Base, focusing solely on the Li i8's safety [4]. - The test utilized a second-hand Chenglong truck as a mobile barrier, with the i8 colliding at a speed of 60±2 km/h and the truck at 40±2 km/h [4]. - Results indicated that the i8's passenger compartment showed no significant deformation, airbags deployed normally, and there were no leaks or fires from the battery pack [4][5]. Group 2: Company Responses - Li Auto emphasized that the test was not intended to target other brands and was conducted according to national standards [2]. - Chenglong truck's official statements criticized the test for not accurately reflecting real-world traffic scenarios and claimed it constituted infringement [2][7]. - C-AE clarified that the test was strictly for the i8's safety validation and did not involve safety evaluations of other vehicles [4][5]. Group 3: Market Impact - Following the test and subsequent discussions, Li Auto's stock price experienced a decline, with a drop of 13.53% by August 1, 2025, after an initial rise of 6% on the day of the i8's launch [9]. - Li Auto revised its 2025 delivery target from 700,000 units to 640,000 units, with July deliveries at 30,700 units, a 39.74% year-on-year decrease [10].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the crash test conducted by Li Auto has sparked a significant public relations battle among the involved parties, including Li Auto, Dongfeng Liuqi, and the testing agency, China Automotive Research Institute [2][3][4]. Group 1: Li Auto's Position - Li Auto stated that the crash test was commissioned to assess the safety of its i8 vehicle and did not intend to evaluate the safety of other brands, specifically Dongfeng Liuqi's truck [2][3]. - Despite claiming no intention to cause harm, Li Auto's testing process led to the identification of the truck involved, prompting a backlash from Dongfeng Liuqi [3][4]. - Li Auto is urged to issue a sincere apology and actively engage in addressing the controversy stemming from the test [3]. Group 2: Dongfeng Liuqi's Response - Dongfeng Liuqi responded to the test results by asserting that the testing conditions were not representative of real-world scenarios, and they have initiated legal procedures to address the situation [2][4]. - The company criticized the test for being misleading and questioned the integrity of the testing parameters, suggesting that the test was designed to favor Li Auto [4][5]. - Dongfeng Liuqi's official statements emphasized their commitment to quality and reliability, attempting to counter the negative publicity generated by the crash test [2][3]. Group 3: China Automotive Research Institute's Role - China Automotive Research Institute clarified that the test was not a standard vehicle-to-vehicle collision test and was solely focused on Li Auto's vehicle safety [2][4]. - The institute is expected to maintain all legal documents and test data in light of potential legal actions from Dongfeng Liuqi [4][5]. - The agency's involvement has raised questions about the transparency and credibility of the testing process, with calls for a more open and rigorous safety evaluation [4].

Core Viewpoint - The collision test of the Li Auto i8 conducted by China Automotive Research (China汽研) is aimed solely at verifying the vehicle's safety and does not involve safety evaluations of other brands [1][5][6]. Group 1: Test Details - The test was designed based on typical traffic accident scenarios on ordinary roads, with a focus on high-frequency accident conditions [5][6]. - A second-hand Dongfeng Liuzhou brand truck was used as a mobile barrier for the test, which was randomly purchased from the market [1][5]. - The Li Auto i8 underwent inspection and verification before the test, and the mobile barrier truck was modified and weighted to 8 tons [5]. Group 2: Company Statements - Li Auto emphasized that the purpose of the test was to validate and enhance the passive safety performance of the i8, not to evaluate the quality of other brands [6]. - The company clarified that it does not intend to make quality assessments of the Dongfeng Liuzhou brand truck and that there is no direct competition between Li Auto and Dongfeng Liuzhou [6]. Group 3: Public Reaction and Controversy - Following the test, there was significant public attention, particularly regarding the identification of the truck brand involved in the collision [7][10]. - Dongfeng Liuzhou responded to the controversy by releasing their own collision test video, highlighting the safety features of their trucks [7][10]. - The truck brand's social media platforms received numerous comments from users expressing concerns about the safety implications of the test [10][12].

Core Viewpoint - China Automotive Research (中国汽研) issued a statement regarding the significant public reaction to the collision test video of Li Auto's i8, clarifying that the test was solely to verify the safety of the i8 and did not evaluate the safety performance of other brands [1][3] Group 1 - The collision test involved the i8 at a speed of 60±2 km/h, with a moving barrier vehicle approaching at 40±2 km/h [3] - Post-test observations indicated no significant deformation of the passenger compartment, airbags deployed normally, and no leakage or fire from the battery pack [3] - China Automotive Research has not released any test data, reports, or images related to this event on any platform prior to the statement [1][3] Group 2 - The organization emphasizes the importance of objective and rational discourse among the industry, media, and public to maintain a healthy industry ecosystem and a clear online environment [1][3] - As a state-owned enterprise and a national research institution, China Automotive Research commits to conducting tests with scientific rigor and impartiality, while accepting supervision from all sectors of society [3] - The organization plans to continue providing professional and reliable technical services to empower the Chinese automotive industry towards higher quality development [3]

Core Viewpoint - Li Auto's stock price fell nearly 3% following the launch of its first pure electric SUV, the Li Auto i8, which is priced lower than previously expected [1] Group 1: Product Launch - Li Auto officially launched its first pure electric SUV, the Li Auto i8, on July 29, with a final official price range set between 321,800 yuan and 369,800 yuan [1] - The i8 is available in three configurations, with the new pricing being lower than the previously announced pre-sale price range of 350,000 to 400,000 yuan [1] Group 2: Market Competition - According to CMB International, while the i8's pricing is better than expected, there may be a gap between the configuration and consumer expectations [1] - The upcoming release of multiple six-seat SUVs priced around 300,000 yuan in the second half of the year is expected to intensify competition in the market [1] Group 3: Safety Testing Controversy - The "heavy truck collision test" showcased during the i8 launch has sparked controversy, as the test video showed the heavy truck lifting off the ground and the cabin separating from the cargo area [1] - Li Auto responded by stating that the collision test was a simulation based on real traffic scenarios, conducted by a professional third-party testing agency [1]

Core Viewpoint - The recent crash test of the Li Auto i8 against an 8-ton truck has sparked significant public debate, particularly due to the truck's poor performance in the test, which was conducted to simulate real-world traffic scenarios [1][4]. Group 1: Crash Test Details - The Li Auto i8 was subjected to two crash tests: a head-on collision with an 8-ton truck at 50 km/h, resulting in a transient impact force of approximately 100 tons, and a side collision with the same truck, producing about 80 tons of force [4]. - After both collisions, the i8's A, B, and C pillars, as well as the door beams, showed no deformation, and all nine airbags deployed successfully. Additionally, the battery pack did not leak or catch fire, and the doors automatically unlocked [4]. Group 2: Safety Standards and Testing - The i8 was developed to meet the five-star standard of the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) and the G+G+G+A standard of the China Insurance Automotive Safety Index (C-IASI), incorporating over 100 testing scenarios, including extreme situations like being pinned by a truck [4]. - The innovative short front overhang safety structure of the i8 features three longitudinal force transmission paths and 11 circular energy-absorbing structures, effectively addressing energy absorption in frontal collisions [4]. Group 3: Company Response and Public Reaction - Li Auto's product head, Tang Jing, expressed confidence in the authority of the testing institutions and suggested a live retest to validate the results, which was supported by the product line head, Zhang Xiao [5]. - Public sentiment has been mixed, with some netizens encouraging a live broadcast of any retesting, implying that the party that hesitates would be in an awkward position [7].