Group 1 - The core point of the article is that Li Auto's i8 model is set to begin nationwide deliveries on August 20, with CEO Li Xiang engaging with truck drivers to express gratitude for their role in the delivery process [1] - Li Xiang humorously acknowledged a previous incident involving a collision test that may have upset some users of the truck brand, emphasizing the importance of safety [2] Group 2 - Li Xiang hosted a meal for the truck drivers to foster goodwill before the delivery of the i8 [1] - The interaction highlights the company's commitment to maintaining positive relationships with partners involved in the logistics of vehicle delivery [1][2]

Core Viewpoint - The unconventional collision test conducted by Li Auto for its newly launched i8 has sparked significant public debate regarding marketing ethics, industry standards, and brand competition, leading to a joint statement from Li Auto, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor to advocate for self-regulation and integrity in the automotive industry [1][2][3]. Group 1: Incident Overview - The incident originated from a video shown at Li Auto's new car launch on July 29, where a collision test between the 2.6-ton Li i8 and an 8-ton Dongfeng Liuzhou truck was presented, showcasing the i8's passenger cabin integrity [2][3]. - Following the video release, Dongfeng Liuzhou issued a statement on July 31, criticizing the test for being misleading and damaging to its brand image [3]. - On August 3, both China Automotive Engineering Research Institute and Li Auto responded, clarifying that the test was not intended to evaluate the safety of other brands [3]. Group 2: Joint Statement and Industry Response - On August 6, a joint statement was released by the three parties to clarify facts, eliminate misunderstandings, and maintain a healthy industry environment [1][3]. - Li Auto apologized for the unintended negative impact on Dongfeng Liuzhou's brand and committed to taking measures to prevent similar controversies in the future [3][4]. - Dongfeng Liuzhou emphasized its commitment to high-quality products and compliance with legal standards, rejecting unfair competition [4]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The incident highlighted the need for industry-wide cooperation for high-quality development, with experts acknowledging the importance of the joint statement in addressing the controversy [2][5]. - The collision test raised questions about the appropriateness of comparing vehicles across different categories, as standard testing typically does not include such comparisons [5]. - The event unexpectedly increased visibility for Dongfeng Liuzhou, leading to a surge in social media engagement and brand awareness [6]. Group 4: Market Performance - The commercial vehicle market, particularly heavy trucks, showed strong performance in July, with sales reaching 83,000 units, a 42% year-on-year increase [6][7]. - The overall commercial vehicle production and sales for the first half of the year were 2.099 million and 2.122 million units, respectively, reflecting growth of 4.7% and 2.6% year-on-year [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Li Auto in its transition to pure electric vehicles, particularly focusing on the launch of the i8 model and its subsequent price adjustment due to disappointing sales performance [10][11][22]. Group 1: Incident Overview - Li Auto's i8 faced a controversy during its launch related to a collision test video that went viral, which showed the i8 "colliding" with a heavy truck, leading to public scrutiny and a backlash from the truck manufacturer [4][9][12]. - A joint statement was issued by Li Auto, China Automotive Research, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor to apologize and promote healthy competition after the incident [6][19]. - Despite the increased attention from the incident, the i8 did not see a corresponding rise in sales, leading to a price reduction shortly after its launch [10][20]. Group 2: Sales Performance - The i8 was launched with a price range of 321,800 to 369,800 yuan, but due to underwhelming sales, the price was adjusted downwards by 10,000 yuan shortly after its release [20][21]. - Comparatively, the competitor model, Leidao L90, achieved significant sales success shortly after its launch, highlighting the struggles of the i8 in the market [20][27]. - As of early August, the estimated order count for the i8 was around 6,000, significantly lower than the initial expectations [21]. Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - Li Auto's transition to pure electric vehicles has been met with skepticism from investors, particularly following the poor performance of the MEGA model, which failed to meet its sales targets [22][23][29]. - The company has adjusted its annual sales target from 700,000 to 640,000 units, reflecting a more cautious outlook amid increasing competition in the electric vehicle market [36][41]. - The i8's performance is critical for Li Auto's future growth, as the company aims to increase its pure electric vehicle sales target from approximately 50,000 to 120,000 units [41][45]. Group 4: Financial Health - Despite the challenges, Li Auto reported a cash reserve of 53.233 billion yuan as of the end of Q1, indicating a stable financial position to navigate through the current market difficulties [47]. - The company is also exploring advancements in artificial intelligence, suggesting a potential shift in focus beyond just automotive manufacturing [47][48].

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding the crash test of Li Auto's i8 has concluded with a joint statement of apology from Li Auto, China Automotive Research, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, but the i8's sales have not seen a corresponding increase despite heightened attention [1][4][10]. Group 1: Incident Overview - A crash test video showcasing the i8's performance against a heavy truck went viral, leading to significant public discourse and controversy, particularly involving the truck brand, Chenglong [4][8]. - Following the backlash, Li Auto adjusted the pricing and configuration of the i8, indicating a response to poor sales performance shortly after its launch [5][10]. Group 2: Sales Performance - The i8, launched at prices ranging from 321,800 to 369,800 yuan, has not achieved expected sales, with reports suggesting only around 6,000 orders [10][20]. - In contrast, the competitor Leidao L90, which launched shortly after the i8, reported 1,976 units delivered within three days, highlighting the competitive pressure faced by Li Auto [10][20]. Group 3: Market Position and Challenges - Li Auto's stock price has struggled since reaching a peak of over 180 HKD per share in March 2022, coinciding with its entry into the pure electric vehicle market [14][18]. - The company has faced declining delivery numbers, with June and July 2023 showing year-on-year drops of approximately 24% and 39.8%, respectively [20][24]. - Li Auto has revised its annual sales target from 700,000 to 640,000 units, with a completion rate of about 36.7% by July [24][25]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The company aims to increase its pure electric vehicle sales target from approximately 50,000 to 120,000 units, despite the competitive landscape becoming increasingly challenging [25][26]. - Li Auto plans to launch the i6, a new five-seat pure electric SUV, in September 2023, which will face competition from other brands in the same price range [26][27].

Core Viewpoint - The joint statement from Li Auto, China Automotive Technology & Research Center, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor aims to address the controversy surrounding the crash test of the Li Auto i8, highlighting the need for clarity in legal boundaries regarding advertising and competition [1][6]. Group 1: Joint Statement and Apologies - Li Auto and China Automotive Technology & Research Center issued apologies for the potential brand association risks caused by the dissemination of related content [1]. - Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor called for the resistance of unfair competition and adherence to legal and compliant business practices [1]. Group 2: Legal Implications - The initial video presentation by Li Auto may lead to consumer concerns regarding the safety of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's "Chenglong" trucks, potentially harming its reputation [2]. - The current laws on unfair competition and advertising need to be examined, particularly whether the initial video constitutes infringement or violates the Advertising Law [3][4]. Group 3: Advertising Law Violations - If the crash test parameters were not fully disclosed, it could violate the principle of advertising authenticity as per the Advertising Law, potentially leading to claims of false advertising [3][4]. - Selectively showcasing favorable footage without disclosing critical parameters may result in misleading promotion [3]. Group 4: Risk Mitigation Strategies - Li Auto should publicly disclose complete test parameters and clarify that results pertain only to specific scenarios [5]. - China Automotive Technology & Research Center could issue a written statement emphasizing that the tests were conducted per the client's requirements [5]. - Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor may consider third-party testing of its trucks to validate safety claims and guide public perception regarding non-standard tests [5]. Group 5: Industry Lessons - The incident serves as a warning for companies to ensure that promotional content is grounded in factual accuracy and to respect legal boundaries in competitive practices [6]. - Companies should strive for transparency and integrity in advertising to foster a fair competitive environment in the automotive industry [6].

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 joint statement from Li Auto, China Automotive Research, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Automobile addresses the recent controversy surrounding the crash test of the Li Auto i8, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and innovation in the automotive industry [2][6][9]. Summary by Sections Incident Overview - The crash test involving the Li Auto i8 and a Dongfeng Liuzhou truck has garnered significant public attention, leading to a joint statement from the involved parties [6][10]. - The test aimed to validate and enhance the passive safety performance of the Li Auto i8, not to evaluate the safety or quality of other brands [6][15]. Apologies and Clarifications - Li Auto expressed sincere apologies for the unintended negative impact on Dongfeng Liuzhou's brand image due to the test's publicity [6][7]. - China Automotive Research acknowledged its failure to clearly communicate the purpose of using the Dongfeng Liuzhou truck as a "mobile barrier" and not as a direct comparison of product safety [7][15]. Industry Commitment - Dongfeng Liuzhou emphasized its commitment to high-quality and reliable products, resisting unfair competition, and contributing to the transition from a major automotive nation to a strong automotive nation [8][9]. - The three parties collectively called for strict self-discipline within the automotive industry, urging adherence to integrity and ethical business practices [9]. Focus on Innovation - The statement advocates for the industry to concentrate resources on enhancing vehicle safety, core technological innovations, and improving user experiences, thereby promoting the overall image and competitiveness of the Chinese automotive industry [9].

Core Viewpoint - The incident involving the collision test of the Li Auto i8 and a third-party vehicle has led to a joint statement from Li Auto, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, aiming to clarify facts and maintain a healthy industry ecosystem [2][5][6]. Group 1: Incident Overview - The collision test video of the Li Auto i8 with a heavy truck went viral after its release on July 29, raising concerns about vehicle safety and brand reputation [11]. - The joint statement was issued to address the widespread attention and discussions regarding the transparency of automotive product testing information and brand image protection [2][6]. Group 2: Company Responses - Li Auto clarified that the purpose of the test was to verify and enhance the passive safety performance of the i8, not to question the safety and quality of other brands [6]. - Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor emphasized its commitment to high-quality products and legal compliance, rejecting any form of unfair competition [7]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The incident has sparked discussions on automotive safety and the importance of technological upgrades, as highlighted by social media comments [8]. - The event has also led to increased visibility and engagement for Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, with a notable rise in interactions on their social media platforms [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the enduring spirit of "self-reliance, excellence, innovation, unity, and dedication to the country and the people," which has motivated Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor (柳汽) for 71 years in its journey towards high-quality development in the automotive industry [1][5]. Group 1 - Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor has achieved numerous successes and faced many challenges over its 71-year history [1][5]. - The company's spirit encourages perseverance in both favorable and adverse conditions [5]. - The focus is on advancing from being a major automotive nation to becoming a strong automotive nation [1][5].

Core Viewpoint - The collision test video involving Li Auto's i8 and Dongfeng Liuqi's Chenglong truck has sparked significant public discussion, leading to a series of responses from both companies regarding vehicle safety and brand reputation [1][2]. Group 1: Company Responses - Dongfeng Liuqi has established a special task force to address the incident and has been actively promoting the safety performance of its vehicles through social media posts [1]. - Dongfeng Group's spokesperson expressed full support for Dongfeng Liuqi in protecting its legal rights and brand reputation in light of the controversy [1]. - Li Auto clarified that the collision test was not intended to evaluate the quality of other brands, emphasizing that the Chenglong truck was used merely as a movable barrier in the test [2]. Group 2: Public and Media Reactions - The Chenglong truck's official account has published multiple articles highlighting the safety features and reliability of its vehicles in response to the negative attention from the collision test [2]. - Following the incident, there has been a notable increase in public scrutiny regarding the quality of the Chenglong truck, prompting the company to reassure customers about their vehicle's safety [1].