Li Auto, CAERI, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors issue joint statement urging strict self-discipline and healthy competition

Li Auto, CAERI, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors issue joint statement urging strict self-discipline and healthy competition

In a move to address recent controversies surrounding its i8 SUV launch, Li Auto, the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (CAERI), and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors have jointly issued a statement emphasizing the importance of strict self-discipline and healthy competition in the automotive industry. The statement comes in response to public debate over a crash test video featuring the Li i8 SUV and a Chenglong truck, a subsidiary of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors.

The crash test video, shown during the Li i8 launch event, depicted the i8 surviving a high-speed frontal collision with a Chenglong truck. The video sparked controversy, with Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors arguing that the test conditions were not representative of real-world traffic scenarios. The company emphasized the importance of rational crash analysis and reaffirmed its commitment to safety in the commercial vehicle sector.

In their joint statement, Li Auto, CAERI, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors acknowledged the unexpected public reaction and expressed regret for any unintended implications. They emphasized that the purpose of the test was to evaluate the Li i8's passive safety performance and not to assess the quality of other vehicle brands. The statement also noted that the Chenglong truck used in the test was a second-hand vehicle purchased and modified as a movable crash barrier.

The joint statement underscored the need for strict self-discipline and healthy competition in the automotive industry. It called on all industry stakeholders to adhere to ethical standards and avoid involution-style competition, which can harm the industry's reputation and sustainability. The statement also reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to automotive safety and expressed willingness to collaborate to improve crash resilience and vehicle protection standards.

The launch of the Li i8, which starts at RMB 321,800 ($44,770), coincides with the launch of the L90 flagship SUV by Nio Inc's Onvo sub-brand. The two models have been widely compared on social media, with the Li i8 facing criticism due to its recent controversies.

The joint statement comes at a time when Li Auto is facing challenges in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) sector. Its first BEV model, the Li Mega MPV, delivered less than 1,000 units in most months, falling short of the company's monthly sales target of 8,000 units. The launch of the Li i8 has also been accompanied by a significant drop in Li Auto's stock price, with shares plummeting more than 10 percent in Hong Kong as of press time.

The joint statement by Li Auto, CAERI, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible marketing practices and ethical competition in the automotive industry. It also highlights the need for collaboration among industry stakeholders to address safety concerns and improve vehicle protection standards.

References:
[1] https://carnewschina.com/2025/08/04/li-auto-issues-statement-after-i8-crash-test-involving-dongfeng-truck-sparks-debate/
[2] https://cnevpost.com/2025/08/04/li-auto-tries-to-downplay-controversy-i8-crash-test/