Group 1 - The evolution of automotive design has undergone numerous changes and innovations over the past century, with each transformation bringing new challenges and opportunities [1] - The introduction of mandatory national standards by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology aims to address gaps in safety regulations, such as those concerning hidden door handles [1] - There is a call for domestic automakers to prioritize safety alongside innovation, emphasizing that the ultimate competitiveness of the automotive industry lies in establishing robust safety systems rather than merely focusing on visual appeal [1] Group 2 - The future automotive market competition will center around safety standard systems, with a need to elevate safety concepts to a shared belief within the industry [2] - Establishing "Chinese safety" as a benchmark in the global value chain represents a significant shift from product advantages to standard output, marking a transition from a manufacturing power to an industrial powerhouse [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the safety concerns and usability issues associated with hidden door handles in electric vehicles, highlighting the need for regulatory intervention to prioritize safety over aesthetics in automotive design [7][8][27]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has initiated a public consultation on the safety technical requirements for automotive door handles, focusing on hidden designs that have been criticized as "technological burdens" [7][8]. - Hidden door handles have become a standard feature in many electric vehicles, with brands like Tesla, NIO, and Xpeng adopting this design to enhance the futuristic appeal of their cars [11][13][15]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - Data indicates that approximately 12% of annual rescue delays for new energy vehicles are related to door handle design flaws, a figure that has increased by 8% since 2020 [22]. - Hidden door handles can complicate emergency situations, as they may not open in case of power failure or accidents, leading to increased rescue times and reduced survival chances [20][24][27]. Group 3: Company Responses - Great Wall Motors' chairman has publicly criticized hidden door handles, stating that their drawbacks outweigh the benefits, particularly in terms of safety and reliability [27]. - Xpeng Motors is working on developing door handles that are more reliable in extreme conditions, acknowledging existing design issues [29]. - Some manufacturers, like Volvo and Aito, are adopting hybrid designs that combine electronic and mechanical functions to ensure safety while maintaining aesthetic appeal [29][31].

Core Viewpoint - The increasing frequency of "malfunctioning" car door handles has prompted regulatory intervention, leading to the development of mandatory safety standards for automotive door handles to address safety concerns and improve user experience [3][4]. Group 1: Industry Concerns - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has initiated a public consultation for the revision of the "Safety Technical Requirements for Automotive Door Handles" due to safety issues arising from the rapid development of electric and intelligent vehicles [3]. - Hidden door handles, while aesthetically pleasing and designed to reduce wind resistance, have been criticized for their practical usability, especially in adverse weather conditions [3][4]. - The current market features various types of hidden door handles, each with different operational mechanisms, which can confuse users and lead to difficulties in emergency situations [3]. Group 2: Safety Risks - There are significant safety risks associated with hidden door handles, particularly in extreme conditions such as collisions or power failures, where mechanical unlocking may fail [3][4]. - Data from Automotive Home Research Institute indicates that the success rate for the deployment of hidden electric door handles in freezing conditions is only 23% for Chinese brands and 40% for overseas brands [3]. - The new standards aim to enhance safety by ensuring that door handles can function in emergencies, such as collisions or fires, and by mandating clear visibility of emergency door handle markings [4]. Group 3: Industry Response - Industry experts suggest that the new standards may compel manufacturers to rethink their design strategies and incorporate safety redundancies, although this may lead to increased costs and design challenges in the short term [5]. - Long-term implications of the new standards could lead to a shift in focus towards prioritizing safety over aesthetic innovations in automotive design [4][5].