As a reaction to a recent fatal crash involving a Xiaomi SU7 electric car, Chinese authorities banned the mentioning of phrases such as "autonomous driving" and "smart driving" in motor vehicle adverts. The ban is meant to curb the misrepresentation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and improve the safety of the roads.
The incident has sparked questions about the public's perception of ADAS capabilities, leading to stricter regulation of advertising. Automakers are now obligated to explicitly define the limitations of their driver-assistance technology and steer away from language that might suggest autonomy.
These regulatory measures express a commitment by China to making sure that consumers are properly informed about automotive functions, thus promoting the proper utilization of new auto technology.
