Li Auto, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Issue Joint Statement

On August 6, Li Auto, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd.), and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. issued a joint statement regarding the collision test incident involving the Li Auto i8.

The full text is as follows:

Recently, the dissemination of content regarding the collision test between the Li Auto i8 and a third-party vehicle (Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's Chenglong brand) has attracted widespread public attention, sparking industry discussions on topics such as the standardization of automotive product test information release, transparency in standard implementation, and protection of corporate brand image. To clarify the facts, eliminate misunderstandings, and jointly maintain a healthy industry ecosystem, Beijing Li Auto Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Li Auto"), China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "China Automotive Engineering"), and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor") have reached a consensus on the relevant matters after thorough communication, and hereby issue the following joint statement:

Li Auto:

The purpose of this test was to verify and improve the passive safety performance of the Li Auto i8, and it was not targeted at the safety or quality performance of any other brand’s vehicles. Due to the testing process, the Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Chenglong brand was inadvertently drawn into public controversy. We underestimated the potential brand association risks arising from the dissemination of related content, which resulted in Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Chenglong being unjustly caught up in negative public opinion and caused damage to its brand image and adverse effects. At the same time, it also led to misunderstandings among truck drivers and the general public who have long supported and used Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor products. Li Auto hereby expresses its sincere apologies. Li Auto had no intention to offend, nor did we ever deliberately seek to question or imply anything about the quality and safety of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor vehicles through this test.

Li Auto will take further measures to avoid causing similar controversies again.

China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd.

As the entrusted testing agency for this test, China Automotive Technology & Research Center Co., Ltd. (CATARC) failed to promptly and clearly explain to the public that the used Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor (Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd.) Chenglong vehicle was used solely as a "mobile barrier vehicle" meeting specific standard requirements, and that the test itself was neither intended nor constituted an evaluation of the product's safety and quality performance. This led to missing key information and public misunderstanding. In terms of process control, CATARC did not adequately anticipate and mitigate the potential risks arising from incomplete information disclosure. CATARC apologizes for this.

As a third-party testing agency, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute will further improve the testing management mechanism, adhere to the principles of science, objectivity, and neutrality, earnestly fulfill the core responsibility of maintaining the industry's credibility, and consciously accept industry supervision.

Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor:

As a crucial business unit for commercial and passenger vehicles under Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. consistently upholds the corporate spirit of "self-reliance and self-improvement, excellence and innovation, unity and dedication, serving the nation and the people." Adhering to the quality policy of "high quality + reliability," the company continuously strengthens its key core technologies through ongoing innovation. It remains committed to diligently producing excellent products and providing dedicated services, creating value for customers with better transportation solutions, and steadily advancing the high-quality development of the enterprise.

We consciously resist unfair competition, uphold the bottom line of lawful and compliant operations, and adhere to the principle of seeking truth from facts, contributing our efforts to the historic transformation of China from a major automobile country to an automobile powerhouse.

Tripartite Joint Initiative:

Strictly uphold the bottom line of self-discipline and jointly foster healthy competition and cooperation: We call on the automotive industry to maintain strict self-discipline by adhering to principles of integrity and business ethics in product development, testing and verification, and marketing promotion, and to eliminate any form of unfair competition such as disparaging comparisons. Testing and certification agencies should adhere to professional standards, ensure that testing processes are scientific and rigorous, and that information released is truthful, accurate, and complete, thereby jointly maintaining a clean and upright market order.

Focus on core technology innovation and return to the essence of products: Call on the entire industry to focus more resources and efforts on improving vehicle safety performance, achieving breakthroughs in core technology innovation, and optimizing the real user experience. Promote industrial upgrading through technological progress and product strength, and jointly enhance the overall image and core competitiveness of China's automotive industry.

Li Auto, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, and Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor are willing to join hands with colleagues across the industry to take proactive actions and work together to build an automotive industry ecosystem based on safety, technology, and integrity, jointly promoting the high-quality and sustainable development of China’s automotive industry.

Beijing Li Auto Co., Ltd.

China Automotive Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd.

August 6, 2025

Image source: @Li Auto