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Li Auto Faces Backlash Over Controversial EV Crash Test Featuring Truck Collision

beijing, China – Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Li Auto is embroiled in controversy following the launch of its new i8 model. The company showcased the vehicle’s safety features with a dramatic crash test involving a head-on collision with a truck, sparking accusations of misleading marketing and unfair competition.

The launch event featured a video depicting the i8 colliding with a Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors truck traveling at 100 kilometers per hour (approximately 62 mph). The footage showed meaningful damage to the truck, including its wheels lifting off the ground and ample damage to the cabin and cargo area. Li Auto asserted the i8’s passenger cabin remained intact, all nine airbags deployed successfully, and the doors automatically opened post-impact, with no battery fire or leakage.

Though, the test quickly drew criticism, primarily focused on the potential for misrepresenting real-world safety scenarios and unfairly portraying the safety of the truck involved.The Core of the Dispute:

The controversy centers around several key points:

Truck Weight & Load: Li Auto CEO Li Xiang clarified the truck weighed 8 tons unladen, not with an 8-ton payload. This distinction is crucial as a loaded truck would present a different impact scenario.
Truck Manufacturer’s Response: Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors responded strongly, claiming the test was “misleading” and accusing Li Auto of releasing the video without permission. They allege the testing conditions were not representative of real-world accidents and damage fair competition, potentially manipulating consumers.
Suspension Modification Allegations: A Dongfeng representative,as reported by QQ News,claimed the truck’s suspension had been altered,leading to exaggerated test results.
Li Auto’s Defense: Li Auto maintains the crash test was a legitimate simulation of a real-world traffic accident, conducted by an independent third-party testing agency. They insist the agency provided the testing environment and equipment without Li Auto’s influence.
Testing Agency Confirmation: The China Automotive engineering Research Institute,the agency that conducted the test,confirmed the process adhered to regulations and standards,and that no adjustments were made based on client requests.They also stated the test truck was brand new.

Euro NCAP,IIHS & C-NCAP: Globally recognized safety organizations like Euro NCAP (europe),the Insurance Institute for highway Safety (IIHS – US),and C-NCAP (China) employ rigorous testing protocols to evaluate vehicle safety. These tests typically involve a variety of scenarios, including frontal impacts, side impacts, pedestrian protection, and whiplash protection. Importance of Realistic Scenarios: The effectiveness of a crash test relies on accurately simulating real-world accident conditions. Factors like vehicle speed, impact angle, and the type of vehicle involved all play a critical role.
Marketing vs. Safety: Automakers often use crash test results in their marketing materials. However, it’s crucial for consumers to understand the specific conditions of the test and avoid drawing broad conclusions about a vehicle’s overall safety.

Key Takeaways:

The Li auto i8 launch was overshadowed by controversy surrounding a crash test involving a truck.
Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors alleges the test was misleading and damaged their brand reputation.
The incident raises questions about the openness and objectivity of automotive safety demonstrations. Consumers should critically evaluate crash test results and understand the specific conditions under which they were conducted.

Source: https://news.detik.com/berita/d-7739998/li-auto-kontroversial-uji-tabrak-mobil-listrik-i8-lawan-truk