Chery Group Legal Department Announces Outcomes of Two Cases Involving Online Rumors and Defamation

On August 7, Chery Group’s Legal Department issued a statement announcing recent progress in its legal actions against online rumors and acts infringing upon the company's reputation rights. In the first case, regarding online rumors about "a dispute between Chery executives and dealers," Chery Group filed a police report. The Economic and Technological Development Zone Branch of Wuhu Municipal Public Security Bureau subsequently investigated and confirmed that Hu Mou (male, 37 years old), the perpetrator, used AI to generate and disseminate false information. The facts were substantiated, and Hu has already received an administrative penalty, which has been fully executed. Hu admitted to his wrongdoing and submitted both written and video apologies to Chery Group and the affected executives. Authorities are continuing their investigation into other malicious dissemination activities related to this incident. The second case involves a defamation lawsuit filed by Chery against Xi’an Erliu Erliu Automotive Information Consulting Service Co., Ltd.—the operator of the WeChat official account “Chief Advisor’s Car Club” and the WeChat Video Channel “Chief Advisor Talks Cars.” In its first-instance ruling, the court found that the defendant fabricated vulgar and derogatory internet slang with clear intent to disparage Chery’s corporate reputation. The court ordered the defendant to publish a prominent apology on the relevant platforms for no less than 30 days and to compensate Chery for its losses. Chery Group’s Legal Department stated that it will continue to safeguard its rights through legal means and hold accountable—without exception—all those who fabricate or spread rumors.