Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent regulatory changes regarding hidden door handles in vehicles, emphasizing a shift from prioritizing innovative design to ensuring user safety and experience [6][28]. Summary by Sections User Experience and Safety Concerns - Consumers have expressed frustration with hidden door handles due to difficulties in operation, especially for children and the elderly, and concerns about safety during emergencies [5][13]. - The new regulations aim to address these concerns by mandating that door handles provide a minimum operational space of 60mm×20mm×25mm, effectively phasing out fully hidden door handles [8][9]. Regulatory Changes - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has proposed new safety standards for vehicle door handles, which will require compliance by July 1, 2027, for new models and by July 1, 2028, for existing models [22][21]. - The regulations are expected to impact approximately 90% of the current market's fully hidden door handles, with many manufacturers needing to redesign their vehicles to comply [9][24]. Industry Response and Implications - Major automotive brands, including Tesla, NIO, and traditional manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, have adopted hidden door handle designs, but the new regulations may force a reevaluation of these choices [12][26]. - The article highlights that the automotive industry is increasingly facing global regulatory standards, suggesting that changes in China may influence practices in other markets as well [26][27]. Future of Vehicle Design - The shift in regulations is seen as a recalibration of industry priorities, moving from a focus on technological aesthetics to fundamental safety considerations [28][29]. - The competition in the electric vehicle market is expected to evolve, emphasizing safety, reliability, and user experience as key differentiators [29].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China has initiated a public consultation on the mandatory national standard for "Automotive Door Handle Safety Technical Requirements," signaling a move to address the safety issues associated with hidden door handles in vehicles [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The rapid development of electric and intelligent vehicles has led to the widespread adoption of hidden door handles, which are seen as a hallmark of high-end and smart designs [1]. - The shift from traditional mechanical door handles to electric-driven precision devices has raised concerns about the original functionality of door handles, which is to provide reliable access to the vehicle [1][2]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - Recent incidents, such as the fire following a collision of a Wuling M7 and the Xiaomi SU7's failure to open after a high-speed crash, highlight the technical flaws and design oversights in current automotive door handle systems [1]. - The design preference for aesthetics over safety has been criticized, with industry leaders questioning whether the pursuit of minimal drag coefficients justifies compromising passenger safety [1]. Group 3: Regulatory Response - The MIIT's move to regulate door handle design is not just about specific components but aims to reshape the innovation logic of the entire automotive industry [2]. - The proposed standards, including "power failure protection," "uniform marking," and "anti-pinch design," are intended to establish a safety baseline that keeps pace with technological advancements in the automotive sector [2]. Group 4: Consumer Sentiment - Public feedback indicates widespread frustration with hidden door handles, with users expressing confusion and concern over their practicality and safety [2]. - The call for a shift towards a "safety-first" innovation culture in the automotive industry is evident, emphasizing the need for designs that prioritize human-centered safety alongside technological advancement [2].