Four Departments Issue New Regulations on Automotive R&D Testing; Li Bin Responds to Media Questions with Only "Thank You"

Recently, four government departments introduced new regulatory measures targeting vehicle models that have compressed R&D timelines and cut real-vehicle validation steps. When media asked NIO founder Li Bin about this industry rectification campaign, Li Bin replied with just two words: "Thank you." In the era of fuel vehicles, the complete development cycle for an all-new model typically exceeded 36 months, while some new energy vehicle models have seen their R&D cycles shortened to 12 to 18 months. In the first half of 2026, the total number of new vehicles launched domestically surpassed 600, with more than three new models hitting the market on average per day. Data from the State Administration for Market Regulation shows that in the first half of 2026, recalls of self-owned brand vehicles rose from fewer than 40,000 units in the same period of 2025 to 308,400 units, a year-on-year increase of 681.2%. The new rules explicitly require that newly declared models must complete multi-dimensional testing covering comprehensive reliability, structural and software functions, with environmental adaptability validation lasting no less than one year, complete extreme environment testing across two winters and one summer, and achieve a minimum vehicle reliability test mileage of 30,000 kilometers. Fully hidden door handles are no longer permitted; foldable screens and flexible screens are banned from installation; functions such as zero-gravity seats, rotating seats, and seats that fold flat into a bed cannot be activated while the vehicle is in motion; and safety control components related to emergency braking and escape must retain physical buttons with prominent labeling. Starting January 1, 2027, vehicle models that have not completed testing according to regulations or have submitted false materials will be unable to obtain product announcements. Existing models must complete and supplement validation materials before July 1, 2027; products found to have safety hazards during overdue inspections must cease production and initiate recalls.