MIIT Tightens OTA Update Regulations as Automakers Respond to "Rushed Cars" Controversy

Li Yanwei, an expert from the China Automobile Dealers Association, recently clarified that approximately 165 all-new vehicle models are actually scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026—not the widely circulated figure of 650. The inflated number stems from counting each model together with its various configurations and derivative versions. This phenomenon highlights a growing trend in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector: drastically shortened development cycles leading to "rush-to-market" vehicles. Li Fenggang, General Manager of Beijing Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd., pointed out that some automakers are skipping essential testing procedures, effectively forcing consumers to become "test drivers." Companies such as Geely, Chery, and XPeng have emphasized the importance of product safety and reliability. Lu Fang of Voyah stated that a short development timeline does not necessarily equate to a "rush-to-market" vehicle; what matters is whether all mandatory validation processes have been completed. At the national level, authorities have already taken measures to address the issue. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has tightened regulations on over-the-air (OTA) software updates for vehicles, stipulating that OTA upgrades cannot be carried out without prior filing and approval. Additionally, MIIT has revised and issued the "Requirements for Type Approval of Road Motor Vehicles," which for the first time mandates reliability testing as a compulsory requirement. Furthermore, the National Technical Committee of Auto Standardization plans to raise the minimum required mileage for NEV reliability road tests to no less than 30,000 kilometers, aligning it with the standard for internal combustion engine vehicles.