News, 15 August 2025
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation has unveiled a draft regulation for intelligent connected new energy vehicles (NEVs)—and it’s open for public feedback. The proposal strengthens rules around defect investigations, recall management, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates, banning automakers from deploying untested upgrades or using them to mask vehicle faults. It also mandates clear consumer safety warnings and tighter oversight over promotional content, marking a robust step toward safer and more transparent smart vehicle adoption in China.
The new draft sets stricter guidelines for how automakers can manage OTA updates for intelligent connected vehicles. Manufacturers will now be required to file updates in advance, thoroughly test and verify software, and avoid using OTA methods to cover up defects.
In terms of consumer safety, the regulation calls for proactive risk alerts—from cyberattack protections to software vulnerability disclosures—helping mitigate dangers and enhancing manufacturer accountability.
The draft also targets marketing practices, particularly those that exaggerate safety or autonomy features. It prohibits misleading advertising and emphasizes stronger supervision of promotional claims, aiming to curb consumer deception around advanced driving technologies.
Regulators plan to conduct in-depth investigations of incidents, integrating recall systems with rigorous accident analysis. This holistic oversight structure seeks to tie together software, safety, and public transparency.
Taken together, this draft signals a robust shift toward safer smart vehicle adoption in China. As automakers roll out more advanced features, regulatory clarity and consumer protection will be key. Interested readers—especially EV manufacturers, software providers, and safety advocates—should keep an eye on the final regulations shaping the future of autonomous driving in China.
References
- Yicai Global, “China Solicits Feedback on Draft Rules for Intelligent Connected Vehicle Control,” August 14, 2025.
