China Proposes Stricter Safety Regulations for Automotive Innovations
China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other departments have issued draft regulations to enhance management of automotive product innovation and design. The aim is to ensure safety accompanies technological advancements.
Chinese authorities are proposing new regulations for the automotive industry to ensure that innovative design and technological development in vehicles do not compromise safety. On October 10th, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), alongside three other key departments, released a draft for public comment focusing on enhancing vehicle safety in conjunction with innovation.
The proposal details requirements for aspects such as virtual controls, door handles, and new human-machine interaction systems. The objective is to mandate rigorous testing and evaluation for all novel design features, with a particular emphasis on identifying and mitigating potential safety risks.
Industry figures have voiced support for the initiative. Lu Fang, Chairman of Lantu Auto, stated that innovation must always be predicated on safety. He emphasized that collaborative efforts to adhere to these new standards will foster high-quality industry development and safeguard road safety.
Key requirements outlined in the draft include the mandate for physical controls and clear markings on safety-critical components like emergency escape and braking devices. Innovative door handle designs must withstand extreme conditions and allow for emergency operation, with fully concealed handles being prohibited. Furthermore, the use of certain seat configurations, such as "zero gravity" modes or beds, will be restricted while the vehicle is in motion.
Authorities will require automakers to conduct risk assessments during the design phase and test innovative solutions under complex and extreme scenarios. Only designs that pass these evaluations will be permitted for mass production. The regulations also call for assessments of the impact of large displays and complex infotainment systems on driving safety and functional reliability, including crash safety evaluations.