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 Points - Tesla is facing scrutiny due to issues with its electronic door handles, which have reportedly malfunctioned, leading to safety concerns for passengers, including children being trapped inside vehicles [1][5] - The U.S. authorities are investigating approximately 174,000 Tesla vehicles for potential risks associated with the electronic door handle failures, which could result in recalls if deemed unsafe [5] - The irony lies in Tesla's initial popularity for its hidden door handle design, which has now become a point of contention and potential regulatory change [5] Group 1: Design and Safety Concerns - The hidden door handle design, while aesthetically pleasing and aimed at reducing wind resistance, has raised significant safety concerns, particularly in cold weather where handles may freeze [6][12] - Reports indicate that incidents of accidents due to door handle failures have increased by 47% year-on-year, with hidden door handles accounting for 82% of these cases [13] - Testing shows that electronic door handles have a success rate of only 67% in side-impact collisions, compared to 98% for traditional mechanical handles, highlighting a significant safety gap [13][17] Group 2: Regulatory Changes and Market Trends - A draft national standard is expected to ban fully hidden door handles, allowing only semi-hidden and traditional designs, with a transition period until July 2027 [5][18] - The automotive industry may shift towards semi-hidden door handles as a compromise between aesthetics and safety, with several new models already adopting this design [20][23] - The market is likely to see a decline in fully hidden door handles, prompting manufacturers to reassess their design strategies to prioritize safety alongside modern aesthetics [20][26]