Core Viewpoint - The joint initiative by six government departments to conduct a three-month special rectification action in the automotive industry aims to address and regulate the rampant online chaos affecting the sector, which is crucial for ensuring market order and promoting high-quality development in the automotive industry [1][2]. Group 1: Current Issues in the Automotive Industry - The automotive industry is facing severe online chaos, with some companies misallocating R&D budgets to misleading public relations efforts, distorting consumer perceptions through exaggerated claims about technology [1][2]. - Evaluation agencies have deviated from their professional roles, turning into profit-driven tools rather than providing objective assessments for consumer decision-making [1][2]. - The proliferation of negative information through organized campaigns has shifted competition from a focus on technological prowess to a detrimental environment of malicious smear tactics [1][2]. Group 2: Consequences of Online Chaos - Consumers are struggling to discern the authenticity of products amidst a flood of false information, leading to compromised purchasing decisions and violations of their rights [2]. - Companies are experiencing significant pressure on R&D investments, with funds that should be directed towards advancements in battery safety and intelligent driving technologies being diverted to futile public relations battles, ultimately hindering innovation in the Chinese automotive sector [2]. Group 3: Root Causes of Online Chaos - The root causes of the chaos can be attributed to multiple factors, including companies seeking short-term competitive advantages through manipulative online tactics instead of fair competition [2]. - Regulatory gaps in online platforms and an excessive focus on traffic have created an environment conducive to the spread of false information and malicious marketing [2]. - Existing laws and regulations regarding "water armies" and "black public relations" remain ambiguous, allowing some illegal activities to persist in a gray area without timely punishment [2]. Group 4: Implications of the Rectification Action - The special rectification action serves as a "forced awakening" for companies, signaling that reliance on "hyped traffic" for market gains is no longer viable, necessitating a return to a focus on technology and product quality [3]. - The initiative is expected to purify the industry ecosystem, allowing credible evaluation agencies to regain market trust and enabling consumers to make informed decisions free from misinformation [3]. - A healthy competitive environment will foster a virtuous cycle where quality companies gain more market share, which is essential for Chinese automotive brands to establish a global reputation and expand internationally [3]. Group 5: Long-term Solutions - The eradication of online chaos requires more than a three-month initiative; it necessitates the establishment of a long-term mechanism combining legal frameworks, technology, and industry self-discipline [3]. - Effective collaboration among government regulation, platform accountability, and corporate self-regulation is crucial for restoring clarity in the automotive industry's online space and enabling the sector to pursue high-quality development towards becoming a leader in the global automotive industry [3].

Core Viewpoint - The joint notice issued by six government departments aims to address the rampant online chaos in the automotive industry, targeting issues such as "black public relations," malicious attacks, and false advertising to foster a healthier public opinion environment and support high-quality development in the sector [1][5]. Group 1: Industry Issues - The automotive industry is facing severe online chaos, including malicious defamation and exaggerated false advertising, which are hindering healthy development [1][6]. - A notable incident involved a former executive from Chery Automobile making derogatory comments about a competitor's product, highlighting the ongoing "water wars" among car manufacturers [1][2]. - Companies like BYD and JAC Motors have begun legal actions against malicious online attacks, indicating a trend of using legal means to combat defamation [2][3]. Group 2: Illegal Profit and False Promotion - The notice identifies illegal profit-making activities, such as creating false images and videos, spreading negative topics about car companies, and manipulating sales data to gain commercial benefits [3][4]. - The use of AI technology to generate false content and manipulate public perception is a growing concern, with instances of individuals creating and disseminating false information for profit [4][5]. Group 3: Regulatory Actions - The six departments plan to implement a three-month special rectification action to purify the online environment, which includes self-inspections by automotive companies and establishing reporting channels for irregularities [5][6]. - The initiative aims to close and expose media accounts involved in online chaos and to investigate the public relations firms and marketing teams behind these activities [5][6]. Group 4: Impact on Industry and Consumers - The ongoing chaos in the automotive sector, particularly in the electric vehicle market, is seen as detrimental to fair competition and consumer trust, as it diverts focus from product and technology-based competition [6]. - The rectification action is viewed as a necessary correction to restore order in the industry, protect legitimate rights, and enhance consumer trust in the automotive market [6].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and five other departments have launched a three-month special rectification action to address online chaos in the automotive industry, targeting issues like "black public relations" and "mud-slinging" to foster a healthy competitive environment and support high-quality development in the sector [1][7][8] Group 1: Industry Issues - The automotive industry faces significant online chaos, including malicious defamation and exaggerated false advertising, which hinders healthy development [2][5] - A recent incident involving a former executive from Chery Automotive making derogatory comments about a competitor's product highlights the prevalence of "mud-slinging" in the industry [2][3] - Companies like BYD and JAC have resorted to legal action against malicious online attacks, indicating a growing trend of defending corporate reputation through litigation [3][5] Group 2: Regulatory Actions - The special rectification action will involve self-inspections by automotive companies, the establishment of reporting channels, and the analysis of online chaos to strengthen the handling of these issues [7][8] - The initiative aims to close and expose media accounts involved in online chaos and investigate the public relations firms and marketing companies behind these actions [7][8] Group 3: Future Implications - The rectification is seen as a crucial correction to the disorderly competition in the automotive sector, aiming to protect the legitimate rights of individual companies and maintain a healthy industry ecosystem [1][8] - Experts suggest that the initiative will help standardize marketing behaviors among automotive companies, leading to a more trustworthy information environment for consumers [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has initiated a three-month special action to rectify online chaos in the automotive industry, focusing on illegal profit-making, exaggerated and false advertising, and malicious attacks against competitors, aiming to enhance the quality of network disorder management and promote high-quality development in the automotive sector [1][9]. Group 1: Key Issues to be Addressed - Illegal profit-making includes creating false images and videos, distorting sales data, and using threats to extract "protection fees" from automotive companies [3]. - Exaggerated and false advertising involves misleading consumers about the performance and quality of vehicles and batteries, as well as manipulating evaluation accounts to present false data [4][5]. - Malicious attacks target competitors through defamation, orchestrating negative campaigns, and leveraging online influencers to spread false information [7]. Group 2: Industry Context - The automotive industry reported revenues of 41,283 billion yuan in the first five months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 7%, while profits fell by 11.9% to 1,781 billion yuan, resulting in a profit margin of only 4.3%, which is lower than the average of 5.7% for downstream industrial enterprises [11]. - The competitive landscape has intensified, leading to irrational competition and practices such as price wars, which have pressured companies to cut R&D spending and compromise product quality [11]. - Recent incidents, such as the Xiaomi SU7 high-speed accident, have prompted a reevaluation of smart driving technologies and the need for stricter regulations on advertising claims related to autonomous driving features [13][14].