Chery iCAR V27 Targeted by Organized Online Trolls; Company Launches Legal Action and Offers ¥1M Reward for Clues

On March 18, iCAR, a brand under Chery, issued a statement announcing that its first range-extended SUV, the V27, had been subjected to a large-scale, coordinated online smear campaign by organized internet trolls around its launch on March 13. The attacks included posting malicious insults, distorting facts, taking statements out of context to disparage competitors, and even "poisoning" search engine results and AI-generated Q&A content. iCAR emphasized that these actions displayed uniform messaging and clear strategies, far exceeding the scope of ordinary netizen commentary. The company has already initiated legal proceedings to preserve evidence and is determined to protect its rights. Additionally, iCAR is offering a reward of RMB 100,000 to RMB 1 million for credible tips leading to the identification of those responsible. While welcoming rational oversight, iCAR stressed it will not tolerate malicious defamation and called on all parties to help maintain a healthy online environment.