EV Industry Legal and Reputational Issues
Coverage of legal disputes, defamation cases, and reputation management involving electric vehicle manufacturers and related online discourse.
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Netizen Publicly Apologizes to Seres and Aito Over False and Disparaging Online Remarks
JRs user Chu X. Yong has issued a public apology to Seres and Aito after admitting to posting unsubstantiated and damaging content from March 2024 to March 2025. The incident underscores growing efforts by EV brands to combat online misinformation and protect their reputations.
Ji Yue Auto's Substantive Consolidation Restructuring of Six Affiliated Entities Accepted by Court
The Shanghai No.3 Intermediate People’s Court has accepted Ji Yue Auto’s application for substantive consolidation restructuring of six affiliated companies, transitioning the EV startup from pre-restructuring to judicial proceedings. The move aims to preserve enterprise value and attract strategic investment, with a Dubai-based tech firm already expressing interest.
Five Departments Launch Joint Enforcement Campaign on Battery Recycling
China’s MIIT, MEE, MOT, MOFCOM, and SAMR have launched a coordinated enforcement campaign targeting illegal EV battery recycling practices. The initiative focuses on traceability fraud, unlicensed operations, and environmental violations amid record 400,000-ton recycling volumes in 2025.
SAIC Volkswagen and Li Auto Exchange Critiques on Technological Generational Gap
At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, SAIC Volkswagen disputed Li Auto CEO Li Xiang’s claim that the Li L9 Livis is 'two generations ahead,' sparking a public debate over what constitutes true generational advancement in EV technology. The clash highlights divergent strategies: Li Auto’s rapid software iteration versus Volkswagen’s emphasis on mature, hardware-rooted engineering.
Xiaomi Debunks Rumor of Lei Jun Being Confronted by Owners Seeking Redress
Xiaomi has refuted viral claims that CEO Lei Jun was confronted by disgruntled car owners, confirming the rumor was fabricated. The individual behind the false report has been detained and ordered to issue a written apology.
Shangjie Auto's Exhibition Vehicle Deliberately Vandalized at Auto Show
Shangjie Auto has launched legal proceedings after its Z7 display vehicle was intentionally damaged at the Beijing International Auto Show, marking the first such incident this year. The company emphasizes protecting its new product launch and maintaining exhibition decorum.
Rumors of Lei Jun Being Confronted by Protesters Debunked; Xiaomi Responds Firmly
Xiaomi has firmly denied online rumors that CEO Lei Jun was trapped by angry protesters during the SU7 Beijing-Shanghai range test livestream. The company clarified the scene was a short, orderly gathering of enthusiastic fans at a service area in Jiangsu.
Neta Auto's $25.6 Billion Loss Over Three Years Leaves State Investors Unable to Recoup Funds
Hozon New Energy, parent of Neta Auto, reported RMB 18.3 billion in net losses from 2021 to 2023, rendering at least RMB 800 million in state investments unrecoverable. Aggressive expansion backed by policy arbitrage and unsustainable subsidies has left factories idle and local governments exposed.
Tesla FSD Receives Dutch Certification, Prompting Lawsuit from Existing Owners
Tesla’s Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) has been certified in the Netherlands under UN Regulation R-171—but exclusively for vehicles with Hardware 4 (HW4). This exclusion has led HW3 owners, including 2019 Model 3 buyers, to file collective lawsuits alleging misleading marketing. The Dutch Vehicle Authority seeks EU-wide recognition of the certification, raising broader legal and compliance concerns for Tesla across global markets.
Lei Jun Live-Streams for 15 Hours to Demonstrate SU7 Range
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun completed a 15-hour, 1,300-kilometer live-streamed drive from Beijing to Shanghai in the new SU7 Pro to address range concerns and revive market confidence amid sluggish sales.
Xiaomi Debunks Rumor of Lei Jun Being Blocked by Protesters in His Car
Xiaomi has refuted false claims that Chairman Lei Jun was blocked by protesters during a test drive of the SU7 Pro. The company clarified that the encounter was a spontaneous, friendly greeting by local EV owners during a 1,313 km range validation trip.
Wei Jianjun Publicly Criticizes WEY Brand Team at V9X Launch Event
At the WEY V9X pre-sale event, Great Wall Motors Chairman Wei Jianjun delivered an unscripted critique of CEO Zhao Yongpo and the marketing team for failing to communicate the brand’s luxury positioning effectively. The incident highlights deep organizational gaps as Chinese automakers struggle to elevate their premium EV offerings against BBA rivals.