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 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 - 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].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant gender disparity in vehicle safety testing, emphasizing that current crash test dummies predominantly represent male anatomy, which leads to higher injury rates for women in car accidents [1][8]. Group 1: Background and Statistics - Maria Weston Kuhn's personal experience in a car accident led her to discover that women are 73% more likely to be injured in frontal collisions compared to men [1]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has used male-based crash test dummies since the 1970s, which do not accurately reflect the anatomy of women [7]. - A study indicated that women are approximately 80% more likely to be injured in car accidents due to anatomical differences [8]. Group 2: Advocacy and Legislative Efforts - Kuhn founded a nonprofit organization, "Drive US Forward," to raise awareness and push for legislative changes requiring the use of advanced female crash test dummies [2]. - Bipartisan support exists for the "She Drives Act," which aims to update safety testing standards to include female dummies [5]. - Despite support, progress on new safety standards has been slow, with the U.S. being a primary site for related research and approximately 40,000 annual traffic fatalities [6]. Group 3: Current Testing Models and Challenges - The current Hybrid III dummy, used in NHTSA's five-star rating system, is based on a 5'9" male model and is not designed to accurately represent female anatomy [7]. - The cost of a female dummy equipped with all available sensors is about $1 million, double that of the Hybrid dummy, but it provides a more accurate representation of female anatomy [8]. - Some automakers have expressed concerns that more complex dummies may exaggerate injury risks, potentially undermining the perceived effectiveness of safety features like seat belts and airbags [11]. Group 4: Industry Perspectives and Future Directions - The automotive industry is divided on the necessity of adopting new crash test dummies, with some advocating for upgrades to existing models rather than introducing unverified technologies [13][14]. - The NHTSA has committed to developing a female version of the THOR dummy, but the timeline for implementation remains uncertain due to various regulatory hurdles [15][16]. - Kuhn acknowledges the slow progress in changing regulations, expressing frustration but also optimism that skilled engineers can find solutions to enhance female safety in vehicles [17][18].